From the 23 January 2023 the NSW government is offering eligible participants a contribution to purchase a property percentage in exchange for a proportionate interest in the property – that is to be co-owners (the Shared Equity Initiative). Eligible participants will be entitled to up to 40% of the price for purchasing new homes and...Read More

As of 1 February 2023, employees will be entitled to 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave within a 12-month period. This will apply to employees of small business employers from 1 August 2023. The leave: is paid at employee’s ordinary rate including loading, allowances and penalty rates; anddoes not accumulate if not...Read More

In the 2022-23 NSW Budget the state government has provided homeowners an option to defer their upfront stamp duty costs by paying an annual fee. This reform is only applicable to eligible first home buyers who are purchasing a home up to the value of $1.5 million. Instead of paying stamp duty (normally 3-4% of...Read More

Following the Annual Wage Review for 2021-2022, the Fair Work Commission has announced the following changes to the national minimum and award minimum wage, which will apply from the first pay period on or after 01 July 2022: the National Minimum Wage will increase by 5.2% per week, amounting to a $40 increase per week....Read More

Permanent amendments have now been made to Long Service Leave Legislation in NSW to provide greater flexibility for employers and employees. The amendments will: Enable an employer and a worker to agree to the employee taking long service, either in advance or accrued of periods not less than 1 day;Provide workers who do not have...Read More

The High Court has recently provided clarity on determining if a person is a contractor or employee.  The analysis is now by reference to the terms of the workplace contract. Previously, the courts would characterise the workplace relationship by considering factors beyond the terms of the workplace contract. Such factors included the level of supervision,...Read More

The amendments to the Sex Discrimination and Fair Work (Respect at Work) Amendment Act have now come into effect. The object of the changes was to support workplaces and workers to address sexual harassment claims and include miscarriages as a reason for a person to access compassionate leave. The major changes to the act are...Read More

As of 27 September 2021, new amendments to the Fair Work Act 2009 have come into force, altering the obligations of employers for their casual employees and changes to their entitlements.  You will need to:  ensure you have provided the Casual Employment Information Statement to casual employees;  determine if you have an obligation to offer...Read More

Under the Privacy Act 1988, the COVID-19 vaccine status of any person is classified as sensitive health information. Employers have responsibilities and obligations in collecting and protecting this information provided by their staff. Requirements vary accordingly to the workplace involved but generally, if employers seek to collect this information, it must be reasonable and necessary...Read More

Owners’ corporation can no longer unreasonably prohibit pets from strata properties. On 25 August 2021 the legislation was amended to put end to blanket bans on residents keeping pets in strata premises. Owner’s Corporations can now only refuse the keeping of an animal if it ‘unreasonably interferes’ with another resident’s use and enjoyment of their...Read More