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Many good-intentioned employers are changing arrangements with their staff by way of verbal discussions in order to ride the wave of economic uncertainty during the Coronvairus pandemic.  Employers should be aware that making verbal agreements to vary employment arrangements are putting them at risk. If varied agreements are not clearly set out in writing it leaves

Increase to Minimum Wages from July 1, 2020. The Fair Work Commission has announced an increase of 1.75%  to the National Minimum Wage. This increase applies from the first full pay period starting on or after today, 1 July 2020. In addition, base rates are also increasing for Employees who are paid in accordance with other

Employers cannot force employees to install the COVIDSafe app.  The Privacy Amendment (Public Health Contact Information) Act 2020 protects employees and makes it an offence to treat an employee adversely for reasons related to their use or refusal to use the COVIDSafe app. Breaches by employers could result in fines of up to $63,000 and five years goal

In a significant ruling of the Federal Court this week (Wed 20  May) the court found that an employee Mr Rossato who was employed under several written casual contracts by a labour-hire company,  Workpac was entitled to claim payments for annual leave, personal leave and compassionate leave. The court found that Mr Rossato was not a casual

The Family Court of Australia and the Federal Circuit Court of Australia have recognised the impact that COVID-19 restrictions may have on an individual’s ability to comply with, and implement, pre-existing parenting orders. Whilst split-parent households have the ability to create confusion and unease at the best of times, the Courts acknowledge that recent restrictions

The State Government has announced Land Tax concessions as part of a wide range of support measures designed to help those in need and to support jobs and business. The concession form is available online and landlords are encouraged to apply before 31 October 2020. What relief is available? Landlords providing rent relief for eligible tenants in

While social distancing restrictions remain in place around the country (to varying degrees), companies are still required to hold meetings and execute documents to keep business running and comply with their corporate obligations. From today, amendments to the Corporations Act 2001 allow companies to convene online for annual general meetings and other meetings prescribed under the Act,

A witness no longer needs to be in the presence of the person signing.  The Attorney General announced temporary changes to the law during the COVID-19 Pandemic so that documents may be witnessed by audiovisual link.  The documents that can be witnessed remotely include: Wills. Powers of attorney. Deeds and Agreements. Enduring guardianships. Affidavits. Statutory declarations. A

Watkins Tapsell operations currently remain unchanged, during the Coronavirus pandemic. As the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to unfold we wanted to assure you that we are open for business and remain committed to continuing to provide our excellent level of service to our clients. Our current operations continue uninterrupted. While the situation evolves, we