Legal
When is unpaid work legal?
There are circumstances where unpaid work is okay, however, legal unpaid work situations are limited, and in most circumstances, workers should be paid. Employers who are not meeting the Fair Work Act guidelines can be penalised for breaking the law by paying workers’ compensation and fines up to $63,000 for corporations and $12,600 for individuals. […]
Annual leave and pay over the holidays
As the holiday season approaches, so does the shutdown period for many businesses. This is the time of year when it is easier to take off work due to many businesses slowing down, however, there are questions that surround this period, namely if you will get paid or not. When calculating leave over the Christmas […]
Being aware of copyright infringement
When sourcing content for your business, it can be tricky to determine what materials you can use without putting your business at risk of copyright infringement. With the internet providing a range of easily accessible sources, it can be easy to forget about the legalities of using material you did not produce yourself. Just because […]
Defamation law in Australia
Defamation is a statement published or spoken that negatively impacts the reputation of a person. Individuals or corporations that employ less than 10 people, not related to another corporation, can sue another person in court for defamation. As there is no constitutional right to free speech, defamation in Australia is harsher and more difficult to […]
A deed or an agreement?
The decision on whether to use a deed or an agreement can make a significant difference to the success of a transaction or project. Both document types are used to prepare contractual arrangements, with each having its own benefits. Understanding the differences and making an informed decision can significantly impact the success of a transaction. […]
Legal issues raised by social media
Social media is an established part of our everyday lives, as well as a key platform for many businesses. The rise of social media creates a number of legal issues that business owners must be aware of when utilising platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Businesses should consider a proactive approach in implementing both […]
The legal obligations of marketing
Businesses must be mindful of the relevant regulations when setting prices and advertising products or services, to ensure they aren’t misleading their customers. Like many other areas of business, marketing efforts are regulated and need to comply with the legal requirements. Advertising:When promoting products or services, businesses must ensure that any branding, statement, quote or […]
Avoiding unfair business practices under Australian Consumer Law
Under Australian Consumer Law, there are a number of sales practices that are illegal for businesses to engage in when dealing with their customers. Unfair business practices encompass a wide range of activities, such as misleading or false statements and deceptive conduct. Here are some examples of illegal activities that you should be aware of […]
Identifying workplace discrimination
Employers have a responsibility to ensure their employees and people who apply to work for them are treated fairly. Set out in federal and state anti-discrimination legislation and the Fair Work Act 2009, unlawful workplace discrimination occurs when an employer takes adverse action against an employee or prospective employee because of their background or certain […]
Small Business Fair Dismissal Code
During the course of your business, you may be required to terminate an employee. The Small Business Fair Dismissal Code operates to help employers follow a fair process and protect against unfair dismissal claims when terminating employees. The Fair Work Commission will deem a dismissal to be fair if an employer follows the Code and […]