Changes introduced by the Superannuation Laws Amendment (2004 Measures No 2) Act 2004 (Cth) to the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 (Cth) came into effect on 1 July 2008. The historical earnings base many employers have used to calculate superannuation contributions have been replaced by an Ordinary Time Earnings (OTE) base. While The OTE base is simpler, it could produce in many instances increases in superannuation liabilities as a wider range of payments will form part of the OTE.
Medical Practice Amendment Bill 2008 (NSW) introduces a mandatory requirement for medical practitioners to report serious misconduct by their professional colleagues. Aimed at providing better protection for patients, it also introduces automatic suspensions for doctors who breach certain conditions on their registration.
Construction-related parts of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007 (Vic) came into force on 1 July 2008 and impose new obligations on employers and principal contractors engaged in the industry. The new obligations include 'Safe Work Method Statements' and training and induction that is specific to worksites.
The ACT Government has introduced the Work Safety Bill 2008 that will wholly replace the current Occupational Health and Safety Act 1989 (ACT), introducing expanded safety duties, corporate officer liability and a right to private prosecutions.
The Queensland Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 2008 came into effect on 1 September 2008. It effectively removes the remaining parts of the rural industry exemption from existing regulatory requirements. For example the exemption pertaining to working with lead no longer applies. Other exemptions will be phased out over the next two years.
The NSW Occupational Health and Safety Amendment (Application to Mining Workplaces and Coal Workplaces) Regulation 2008 came into effect this month. The amending regulations expand the application of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001 to the mining industry. Most health and safety matters for the mining industry will continue to fall under the jurisdiction of the NSW Department of Primary Industries. However, WorkCover NSW must be notified of bonded asbestos work and demolition work regardless of the location.
Equal Opportunity Amendment (Family Responsibilities) Act 2008 (Vic) On 1 September 2008 changes to the Equal Opportunities Act 1995 (Vic) that protect working parents and carers from discrimination when trying to balance their work and family responsibilities, commenced. The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission with IR Victoria have published guidelines to assist employers to meet their obligations at http://www.equalopportunitycommission.vic.gov.au/home.asp
Phillips Fox has changed its name to DLA Phillips Fox because the firm entered into an exclusive alliance with DLA Piper, one of the largest legal services organisations in the world. We will retain our offices in every major commercial centre in Australia and New Zealand, with no operational change to your relationship with the firm. DLA Phillips Fox can now take your business one step further − by connecting you to a global network of legal experience, talent and knowledge.
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