Australia: Employee Benefits & Compensation

Queensland: In March 2026, Mastermyne Crinum Operations Pty Ltd became the first company convicted of industrial manslaughter under Queensland's Coal Mining Safety and Health Act...

Australia's Fair Work Commission has announced significant changes to minimum wage rates and employment thresholds effective July 1, 2026, including a 6% increase to the national minimum wage and structural reforms to Award wage classifications. These adjustments come amid economic uncertainty and ongoing efforts to address real wage gaps affecting low-paid workers, while also introducing changes to superannuation contribution bases and unfair dismissal thresholds.

The Fair Work Commission has announced significant changes to employment law taking effect from July 2026, including increases to the National Minimum Wage and award wages, adjustments to unfair dismissal thresholds, and new requirements for superannuation payments. These changes will impact employers across Australia, requiring careful review of obligations under modern awards and enterprise agreements to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.

Workplace injuries can occur in any industry and may entitle you to workers compensation benefits. Understanding what qualifies as a workplace injury, the types of compensation available, and the critical steps to take immediately after an incident can protect your entitlements and support your recovery.

The Western Australian Court of Appeal has ruled that a 'demotion' under workers' compensation law does not require active employer conduct, confirming that the objective fact of reduced employment status—whether through action or inaction—can trigger stress claim exclusions.

The final FY2026-27 budgets have now been delivered, with New South Wales and Queensland releasing their budgets today (23 June 2026) and the ACT and South Australian budgets...

The quote sometimes attributed to Vladimir Lenin that “there are decades where nothing happens; and there are weeks where decades happen” seems particularly appropriate in relation to the 2026 Federal Budget.

Understanding visa processing times is critical for Australian employers managing sponsored workforces in 2026. With processing windows varying significantly across visa subclasses...

Returning to work after parental leave is a significant transition and can raise complex legal and practical issues such as job security, flexibility, workplace rights, etc., for both employees and employers.