ArticleFrom the Corner Office: new developments in workplace lawThe Federal Government hopes to re-establish the ABCC and establish a Registered Organisations Commission. AustraliaEmployment and HRDWF (Australia)
ArticleFurther protections for vulnerable workersA new Bill aims to protect vulnerable workers from systemic non observance of rights and entitlements under the FW Act.AustraliaEmployment and HRHHG Legal Group
ArticleImportant changes to the construction industry in response to COVID-19COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Directions (No 3) issued for the construction industry may help stop the spread of COVID-19.AustraliaEmployment and HRMadgwicks
ArticleIn The Pipeline - Australian Federal Election Policy UpdateAs foreshadowed in our March Update, the Government has introduced its "second tranche" of proposed amendments to the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth).AustraliaEmployment and HRJones Day
ArticleLikely extension of Paid Parental Leave: understanding the proposed changesProposed reforms aim to provide substantial support to working families & will have implications for employers.AustraliaEmployment and HRGilchrist Connell
ArticleMichael Byrnes appeared on Breakfast with Ron Wilson on 3 February 2024 on 2SM to discuss the employment law issues arising from employees appearing on reality TV showsEmployment law issues arising from employees appearing on reality TV shows.AustraliaEmployment and HRSwaab Attorneys
ArticleMichael Byrnes appeared on Nights with John Stanley on 2GB & 4BC on 30 Nov 22 to discuss the legal aspects of workplace Christmas parties (from 1:50:55 to 2:00:00)It is incumbent upon employers to manage the legal risks associated with workplace Christmas parties.AustraliaEmployment and HRSwaab Attorneys
ArticleMichael Byrnes appeared on - Nights with John Stanley - on 2GB and 4BC on 12 February 2024 to discuss the right to disconnect (from 1:28:12 to 1:38:45)Employees have the right to disconnect work-related calls outside of working hours, if the contact is unreasonable.AustraliaEmployment and HRSwaab Attorneys
ArticleMichael Byrnes appeared on Nights with John Stanley on 2GB and 4BC on 15 May 2023 to discuss employment law issues arising from employers taking a public position on the Voice:An employee with a contrary view to their employer's public stance should make it clear that this is a personal view.AustraliaEmployment and HRSwaab Attorneys
ArticleMichael Byrnes appeared on Nights with John Stanley on 2GB and 4BC on 20 Nov 2023 to discuss employees working from home and the legal aspects of workplace Christmas partiesThe law relating to the rights of employers and employees regarding requests for flexible hours and working from home. AustraliaEmployment and HRSwaab Attorneys
ArticleMichael Byrnes appeared on Nights with John Stanley on 2GB and 4BC on 24 May 2023 to discuss the legal aspects of employers directing employees to return to working from the officeJohn Stanley was joined by Michael Byrnes to discuss what rights employees have to work from home.AustraliaEmployment and HRSwaab Attorneys
ArticleMichael Byrnes appeared on Nights with John Stanley on 2GB and 4BC on 25 August 2025 to discuss the legal aspects of workplace surveillanceThe legal aspects of workplace surveillance.AustraliaEmployment and HRSwaab Attorneys
ArticleMichael Byrnes discusses mandatory workplace COVID-19 vaccination on This Working Life on ABC Radio National (6 September 2021)Mandating workplace vaccinations involves some tricky legal, ethical and practical issues with workplace relations.AustraliaEmployment and HRSwaab Attorneys
ArticleMichael Byrnes discusses mandatory workplace COVID-19 vaccination with John Stanley on 2GB and 4BC, 13 September 2021With public health at the forefront of everyone's minds, businesses owners must ensure the safety of patrons and staff.AustraliaEmployment and HRSwaab Attorneys
ArticleMichael Byrnes, Employment Partner, is quoted in the HRM Online article - Is gardening leave the best way to protect a companys interests?Companies should "be very careful during the notice period", and ensure the employer's entitlements are being honoured.AustraliaEmployment and HRSwaab Attorneys
ArticleMichael Byrnes featured in HRM Online - 4 November 2020McDonald's franchisees were in hot water after allegations that employees were denied 10-minute entitled paid breaks.AustraliaEmployment and HRSwaab Attorneys
ArticleMichael Byrnes has written an article - Is it too risky to discuss politics in the workplace? - published in HRM Online 26 June 2023Employers taking a public stance on social or environmental factors is risky but may be a boon to employee engagement.AustraliaEmployment and HRSwaab Attorneys
ArticleMichael Byrnes is quoted in the article, 'Fair Work favours the boss in Covid-19 sackings', published in The Australian on 22 April 2023Michael Byrnes is quoted in the article, 'Fair Work favours the boss in Covid-19 sackings'.AustraliaEmployment and HRSwaab Attorneys
ArticleMichael Byrnes is quoted in the article, "Cautionary tale for employers grappling with remote work", published in The Australian on 27 January 2024Working from home instead of attending the office was not a valid reason for dismissal.AustraliaEmployment and HRSwaab Attorneys