by JFM Team | Jan 13, 2026
The idea that an employee must follow their employer’s instructions isn’t new. It has been part of Australian workplace law for nearly a century, tracing back to English common law and early Australian cases. In R v Darling Island Stevedoring & Lighterage Co Ltd;...
by JFM Team | Nov 7, 2025
As flexible work arrangements and the employee right-to-disconnect become standard features of modern workplaces, employers are grappling with a difficult question: to what extent can you regulate an employee’s conduct outside of work hours? On one hand, employees...
by JFM Team | Oct 15, 2025
Hiring the right people starts with getting their employment status right. Many business owners confuse part-time and casual roles, but the distinction matters for compliance, cost, and continuity. Understanding the difference helps you manage your team with...
by JFM Team | Oct 1, 2025
In late August 2025, new workplace laws came into effect that directly affect how penalty rates and overtime are treated under Australia’s award system. If you employ staff who are covered by modern awards in industries such as retail, hospitality, clerical, health,...
by JFM Team | Jun 5, 2025
From July 2025, industrial manslaughter became a criminal offence under South Australia’s Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA). That means if someone dies as a result of unsafe work practices on your property, even a family member, you as a business operator or...
by JFM Team | May 9, 2025
Letting someone go is rarely easy, but getting it wrong can be much harder. In Australia, even if you have a valid reason to terminate someone’s employment, be it misconduct, poor performance, or redundancy, your process must be fair. It’s not just about doing the...
