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The Friday Workplace Briefing

The Friday Workplace Briefing

Andrew Douglas 100 Episodes Aug 6, 2026

The Friday Workplace Briefing is a weekly podcast that keeps the Australian business community informed about the latest developments, issues, and cases in workplace law. Hosted by Andrew Douglas, it offers practical guidance to help employers protect their businesses and people. Each episode breaks down complex legal topics into actionable advice. The show is designed for business owners, HR professionals, and managers who need to stay on top of employment law changes.

Episodes

The Growth of More Serious Criminal Charges in Safety
The Growth of More Serious Criminal Charges in Safety Aug 6, 2026 1618 In this episode, Andrew Douglas and Jim Babalis explore the growing trend of serious criminal prosecutions arising from workplace safety incidents. Using South Australia's first industrial manslaughter prosecution as a starting point, they discuss how regulators are increasingly pursuing significant penalties against companies, directors, and individuals following workplace fat
The New Fair Work Court-what is it, When will it Happen and How will it Change our World
The New Fair Work Court-what is it, When will it Happen and How will it Change our World Aug 2, 2026 1592 The Federal Government has announced its intention to establish a new Fair Work Court—the most significant proposed change to Australia's workplace relations system in almost 30 years.Join Andrew Douglas and Jim Babalis as they discuss what this proposal could mean for employers, including how workplace disputes may be resolved in the future, what is currently known,
The Test for Termination Based on not Fit for The Inherent Requirements of The Job  “Not Fit now or in The Foreseeable Future to Undertake the Inherent Requirements of The Job with Reasonable Adjustments”
The Test for Termination Based on not Fit for The Inherent Requirements of The Job “Not Fit now or in The Foreseeable Future to Undertake the Inherent Requirements of The Job with Reasonable Adjustments” Jul 23, 2026 1761 When is an employee no longer able to perform the inherent requirements of their role, and when can an employer lawfully rely on incapacity as a reason for termination?In this session, Andrew Douglas and Jim Babalis will discuss the legal test for termination based on an employee's capacity to perform the inherent requirements of their position, and the key considerations for e
General Protections Claim limitations for Independent Contractors.  Political Beliefs Protected under State law are not Protected Workplace Laws for Independent Contractors.
General Protections Claim limitations for Independent Contractors. Political Beliefs Protected under State law are not Protected Workplace Laws for Independent Contractors. Jul 19, 2026 2078  General protections claims aren't just an issue for employers and employees—they can also arise in contractor relationships. However, the rights and protections available to independent contractors are not always the same.In this update, Jim Babalis and Tom Daly explore the limits of general protections claims for independent contractors, including when State laws m
You Can’t Delegate Safety to Employees - It is Always Owned by The Employer Where There are Clear Rules and Failure to Comply with Directions
You Can’t Delegate Safety to Employees - It is Always Owned by The Employer Where There are Clear Rules and Failure to Comply with Directions Jul 12, 2026 1771 What happens when employers assume safety is simply "common sense" or leave critical safety decisions in the hands of their employees?In this episode, Kim McLagan and Monnette Samo explore one of the most important principles in workplace health and safety: an employer's duty to provide and maintain a safe workplace cannot be delegated.Using a recent court decision as the backd
WFH: What Does it Mean for Victorian Employers
WFH: What Does it Mean for Victorian Employers Jul 5, 2026 2107 This week, Jim Babalis and Tom Daly will be presenting on what Work from Home means for Victorian employers.The Victorian Government has introduced proposed legislation that could significantly change workplace rights for employees working from home.If passed, the Equal Opportunity Amendment (Work from Home) Bill 2026 will introduce a new statutory right for eligible
The Key role of Supervision in Safety Making sure Employees are Skilled, capable and Knowledgeable in How to do Work safely is The Cornerstone of Workplace safety-and All of that Rests on the Shoulders of the Supervisor.
The Key role of Supervision in Safety Making sure Employees are Skilled, capable and Knowledgeable in How to do Work safely is The Cornerstone of Workplace safety-and All of that Rests on the Shoulders of the Supervisor. Jun 28, 2026 1744 This week, Kim McLagan and Monnette Samo will be presenting on The Key Role of Supervision in Safety.A recent NSW Industrial Court case serves as a timely reminder of the importance of effective supervision in the workplace. Following a serious incident involving a worker who suffered life-changing burns, the Court found there had been multiple safety failures, including a
The new sexual harassment compensation provisions in the FWA tested by the Full Bench: Is pre-enactment misconduct relevant to a claim brought after?
The new sexual harassment compensation provisions in the FWA tested by the Full Bench: Is pre-enactment misconduct relevant to a claim brought after? Jun 21, 2026 1520 Recent Full Bench proceedings have provided one of the first significant opportunities to examine how the Fair Work Act's sexual harassment dispute framework operates in practice, particularly where alleged conduct spans periods before and after the commencement of the Respect@Work reforms.Join Andrew Douglas and Kim McLagan as we explore the key issues arising from this import
The FWA and Australians Working Overseas  How Far Does Our Workplace Legislation Extend Beyond Australia?
The FWA and Australians Working Overseas How Far Does Our Workplace Legislation Extend Beyond Australia? Jun 14, 2026 1627 The FWA and Australians Working Overseas: How Far Does Our Workplace Legislation Extend Beyond Australia?As businesses increasingly engage employees who live and work outside Australia, understanding the reach of Australian workplace laws has never been more important.In this podcast Andrew Douglas and Jim Babalis explore the circumstances in which overseas-based employees may
Annual Wage Review and what it Means Understanding the Impact of the FWC Wage Case on Award Employees, EA Employees and Common Law Contracts
Annual Wage Review and what it Means Understanding the Impact of the FWC Wage Case on Award Employees, EA Employees and Common Law Contracts Jun 7, 2026 1774 Join Andrew Douglas and Kim McLagan as they discuss the Fair Work Commission’s Annual Wage Review and what it means for employers.The session will cover the impact of the wage review decision on award-covered employees, enterprise agreement employees, and employees engaged under common law contracts, along with key considerations ahead of the 1 July 2026 changes.Don't mis
What is Happening in The Bullying Jurisdiction? Stopping Weaponisation
What is Happening in The Bullying Jurisdiction? Stopping Weaponisation May 31, 2026 1541 Workplace bullying remains a key focus for employers across Victoria, with ongoing developments in workplace health and safety obligations, psychosocial hazard regulations, and employer responsibilities continuing to shape the legal landscape.As regulators and courts place greater attention on workplace conduct and psychosocial risks, organisations need to stay informed about what these changes me
The FWC Stop Sexual Harassment Jurisdiction Just Ordered Compensation Against Individuals – in the Second Decision in Two Weeks the Federal Circuit Court Made Significant orders for Compensation Against Two Businesses for non-touch Sexual Harassment and Two Individuals.
The FWC Stop Sexual Harassment Jurisdiction Just Ordered Compensation Against Individuals – in the Second Decision in Two Weeks the Federal Circuit Court Made Significant orders for Compensation Against Two Businesses for non-touch Sexual Harassment and Two Individuals. May 24, 2026 1740 Recent decisions from the Fair Work Commission and the Federal Circuit Court have sent a powerful message to employers and individual workers alike — sexual harassment liability is expanding rapidly, and the financial consequences are becoming increasingly significant. In the second major decision delivered within two weeks, substantial compensation orders were made against individual respon

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