The Victorian Government recently introduced the Crime Amendment (Bullying) Bill 2011 into State Parliament, which will provide a maximum jail term of ten years for perpetrators found guilty of workplace bullying.

In times of economic decline, employers pay very close attention to their bottom line. As a result, underperforming employees will often be the first in the firing line. But what is the best way to deal with such employees?

On 24 February 2011, the Paid Parental Leave (Reduction of Compliance Burden for Employers) Amendment Bill 2010 was voted down by Parliament. This Bill sought to reverse the requirement under the Paid Parental Leave Act 2010 (Cth) (PPL Act) that employers administer Paid Parental Leave (PPL) scheme payments on behalf of the government by passing on the PPL instalments from the government to an eligible employee.

Employers who receive a notice to produce documents from the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) and/or the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) often simply hand over large numbers of documents. Sometimes they deliver documents when they do not need to do so.

The EPA has issued a clear warning to business - understand the law, your obligations and ensure you are complying. The EPA intends to reinstate its role as the regulator and authority on the environment in Victoria. It intends to be more consistent, more transparent and take more responsibility. It expects business to do the same.

By way of background, phase II of the Resource Management Reform Programme focuses on the issues relating to particular sectors and the need for improved interaction between the Resource Management Act (RMA) and other statutes. It has ten related work streams. The first four streams relate to aquaculture, infrastructure, urban design and water. The reforms also seek to develop the scope, functions and structure of the proposed Environmental Protection Authority. The next four work streams involv

The recent Court of Appeal decision of Westpac Banking Corporation v Clark (Unreported, CA 172/06, [5 September 2008]) goes some way to answering a technical but important issue on indefeasibility with significant ramifications for corporate lenders in New Zealand.

To those directors not actively engaged in the management of or with an eye on the financial affairs of their company - beware. The recent quantum decision of the High Court in Mason v Lewis [2008] NZHC 1535, following the earlier decision of the Court of Appeal on liability, provides a strong warning for sleeping directors.

In Zheng v Cai [2009] HCA 52 the High Court held that payments made by a church to an injured plaintiff were not to be considered in the plaintiff’s economic loss assessment.

Property developers often require purchasers to agree to 'no caveat' clauses and to grant powers of attorney in favour of the developer, in order to assist the efficient running of developments.

When applying for a planning permit to develop land in Victoria within an open, potable water supply catchment, the application must have regard to the Guidelines for Planning Permit Applications in Open, Potable Water Supply Catchment Areas.

A current GST review being undertaken by the Australian Tax Office (ATO) could result in a significant increase in GST imposed on the retirement village industry.

Safe Work Australia has determined to release its draft Code of Practice on Workplace Bullying in the form of a Guide.

This article covers some strategies to help employers avoid high levels of unauthorised absence during the Olympics.

The Supreme Court has confirmed the extent of the duty on principals to ensure the safety of contractor's employees.

The OAIC has released a draft practice guide on 'Mobile Privacy: A better practice guide for mobile app developers'.

Australian government policies, business priorities and consumer choices are all influenced by environmental concerns.

The AGM is an opportunity to engage and communicate with shareholders, but it is imperative that it is run properly.

The ease of posting comments online, even if thought to be anonymous, could generate an increase in defamation claims.

The Civil Aviation Legislation Amendment (1999 Montreal Convention and Other Measures) Act 2008 (the Act) will come into effect in Australia on 24 January 2009, bringing Australian legislation up to date and in alignment with that now in place in much of the world.