The Friday Workplace Briefing
Episodes
Rise in Penalty Award for Serious Injuries in Safety
26 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
There has been a rise in penalty awards for serious workplace safety injuries, bringing increased attention to how organisations manage risk, complian...
Double Jeopardy in Safety and Criminal Law: Charged, Convicted, Fined—Then Jailed Again?
22 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this discussion, Andrew Douglas and Monnette Samo examine the complex legal issue of double jeopardy in the context of workplac...
Labor’s Work from Home What is it, will it Catch on and What Impact will it Have on Employers?
15 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Work-from-home is back in the spotlight, with the Labor government signalling stronger support for flexible work arrangements. Join us this week ...
Who are We at Work? Respect or Liked and the Risks of Personal Disclosure
09 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Join us this week as Andrew Douglas and Kim McLagan lead an engaging discussion on the topic “Who Are We at Work?”&nbs...
FWC Full Bench Makes its Stance Clear That Racism has "no Place in Any Workplace.
26 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Andrew Douglas and Tom Daly explore one of the most pressing and complex challenges facing Australian workplaces today: overseas worker...
Courts and Tribunals are Getting Tough on Sexual Harassment Claims – How to Prevent the Harassment and The Claim
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week, our presenters Kim McLagan and Monnette Samo look forward to sharing key insights and developments from the past week, ...
The Landscape of Psychological Injury Claims Within Australia’s Workers’ Compensation Schemes is Undergoing Significant Change.
12 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We’re pleased to welcome Andrew Douglas back for his first Friday Workplace Briefing of the year, joined this week by Monnette Sa...
Medical Absence and Termination: Prolonged Absence Without Medical Evidence
05 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We’re delighted to bring the Friday Workplace Briefing back to your inboxes for 2026.This week’s session features Jim Babal...
Christmas Parties and Employee Safety All I Want for Christmas Is Respect – The Never-Ending Saga of Sexual Harassment at Christmas Parties
12 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As we head into the festive season, workplace celebrations are gearing up — but so too are the risks that employers need to keep front of mind. ...
Getting Your Drug and Alcohol Policy Right – Then Following It.
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the latest episode of Friday Workplace Briefing, Andrew and Kim break down a critical issue for employers: how to get your...
Privacy and out of Work Behaviour – When can You Discipline?
27 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
in the latest episode of Friday Workplace Briefing, Andrew and Nina discuss one of the most timely and challenging issues facing employers today: priv...
Complaining About Work Online Is Not a Workplace Right Under General Protections
23 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the latest episode of Friday Workplace Briefing, Andrew and Tom explore a timely and important topic: why complaining abou...
What Happens When You are Assaulted and WFH-yes, it is Compensable. Any Physical or Psychological Hazard Experienced Whilst Working from Home that Causes Harm is Both a Safety Issue and a Compensable Injury.
16 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the latest episode of Friday Workplace Briefing, Andrew and Nina discuss What Happens When You are Assaulted and WFH-yes, it is Compensable.Any Phy...
The Duty of Good Faith and Fidelity When Applying for Jobs with a Client
09 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the latest episode of Friday Workplace Briefing, Andrew and Tom discuss the duty of good faith and fidelity when applying ...
Flexible Work, Hybrid Arrangements and Westpac – New Flexibility at Work the Latest Case Will Embolden Primary Carers to Push for Workplace Flexibility
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the latest episode of Friday Workplace Briefing, Andrew and Nina discuss Flexible Work, Hybrid Arrangements and WestpacNew...
Restructuring Out Employee on Parental Leave – Morally and Legally a Fraught Process.
26 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the latest episode of Friday Workplace Briefing, Andrew and Monnette discuss the morally and legally fraught process of Restructuring Out Employees...
Major Risks Require Specialised Advice – The Need for Competency in Major Safety Risks
19 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the latest episode of Friday Workplace Briefing, Andrew and Kim dive into the critical topic: Major Risks Require Specialised Advice - The Need for...
SafeWork Meddling in Restructures – New Industrial Risks for Employers
12 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Andrew and Nina discuss SafeWork Meddling in Restructures – New Industrial Risks for EmployersHow safety re...
Psychological health regulations and Code now in effect in Victoria.
05 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Andrew and Tom dive into the newly introduced psychological health regulations and Code now in effect in Victoria. They explore both ...
How Many People Can Be Liable in Complex Contractor Relationships?
27 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re excited to welcome back Monnette for her second Friday Workplace Briefing episode.In this episode, Andrew and Monnette ...
Annualised Salaries: When Woollies and Coles Went Rogue
21 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re excited to welcome Monnette to her very first Friday Workplace Briefing — thanks for stepping in front of the camera and helping us ...
Huge Penalties for Breach of Whistleblower Protections
14 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Andrew and Nina discuss Huge Penalties for Breach of Whistleblower Protections. What is a whistleblower, what law protects the Whistl...
Fixed Term Contracts - What are they and When Do They End? Main Topic
07 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Andrew and Tom discuss Fixed Term Contracts - What are They and When Do They End?The complexity around fixed term contracts that perm...
OHS Industrial Manslaughter Provisions do not Prevent Employees from being Charged with Manslaughter Under the Crimes Act
31 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Andrew and Nina discuss how OHS industrial manslaughter provisions do not prevent employees from being charged with manslaughter unde...
Failing to Provide Training for High-Risk Activities Makes Officers Liable
25 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Andrew and Tom discuss how failing to provide training for high-risk activities makes officers liable. If your business involves high-...
High Court Clarifies When a Redundancy Is Genuine in the Context of Using Contractors
17 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Andrew and Kim discuss how the high court clarifies when a redundancy is genuine in the context of using contracto...
The Curious Case of the Victorian Government and Workers’ Compensation
10 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Andrew and Kim discuss The Curious Case of the Victorian Government and Workers’ Compensation.First, an...
Directors and Due Diligence: Lessons from the Whitemarsh Case
03 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Andrew and Tom discuss Directors and Due Diligence: Lessons from the Whitemarsh Case.Directors are facing significant growth in senten...
What is Abandonment of Employment?
27 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Andrew and Nina discuss What is Abandonment of Employment?Employers are often faced with situations where employees fail to notify the...
How Harshness Can Override a Valid Reason The Story of the Reinstated University Professor
20 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
At our next Friday Workplace Briefing Andrew and Thomas will be discussing how harshness can override a valid reason, covering the story of a reinstat...
Closing the Loop has Turbo-Charged Delegates' Rights of Representation in Workplaces — where will it end?
13 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
At our upcoming Friday Workplace Briefing Andrew and Nina Hoang will be discussing Delegates' Rights. Closing the loop has turbo-charged delegates' ri...
New NSW Bullying Regime Starting 1 July 2025
06 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For this week’s Friday Workplace Briefing Andrew and Nina will be discussing the New NSW bullying regime starting 1 July 2025. NSW’s anti-...
The High Court, the CFMEU and Administration
29 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
At our next Friday Workplace Briefing Andrew and Thomas will be discussing The High Court, the CFMEU and Administration.What was the case about, what ...
Drug and Alcohol Policies Must Have Thorough Consultation and Be Evidence Based
21 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For our next Friday Workplace Briefing Andrew and Thomas will be discussing the fact that drug and alcohol policies must have thorough consultation an...
The Growing Difference in the National Safety Law
15 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Andrew and Kim discuss the growing divergence in national safety laws. As each state and territory continues to move away from the har...
2025 Annual Wage Case How Much Does It Affect Award and Award Free Employees?
08 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Andrew and Nina discuss how to determine whether you must (or should) increase pay levels following the Wage Case ...
The Biggest Hazard on Site is Often the People Themselves.
31 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Andrew and Tom will be discussing: The Biggest Hazard on Site is Often the People Themselves. People, and how they make decisions, is ...
State Governments are Seeking to Reduce Workers’ Compensation Scheme Exposure to the Growth in Psychological Claims.
25 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Andrew and Kim discuss how the State Government is seeking to reduce Workers' Compensation schemes exposure to the...
The Ever More Complex World of Franchises
18 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Andrew and Laura discuss: The Ever More Complex World of Franchises. Franchises often employ young workers with unstable tenure...
When and How to Use Legal Professional Privilege in Conduct Investigations
11 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Andrew and Nina discuss when and how to use legal professional privilege in conduct investigations.There are signi...
The Australian Government Adopts Three New Psychological Hazards.
04 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Andrew and Tom discuss the three new psychological hazards the Australian Government has adopted and how they affect your work. The Au...
Toxic Culture - the future of Industrial Manslaughter.
27 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We trust that you had time to reflect and rest over the ANZAC break and are ready for this special Monday delivery of the Friday Workplace Briefing.&n...
Victorian Court of Appeal Rebalances with Industrial Manslaughter Fines Higher than Ever Before.
21 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We hope everyone has enjoyed their Easter celebrations and break and are ready for this special Tuesday delivery of the Friday Workplace Briefing. In ...
What You Must Prove When You Allege Industrial Collusion Between a Union and Others.
12 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For this week’s Friday Workplace Briefing Andrew and Tom will be discussing: What you must prove when you allege ...
The Future of Employee Restraint Clauses in Australia.
06 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week Kim and Nina will be discussing - The Future of Employee Restraint Clauses in Australia. With the announcement in last week's Budget, will t...
Workplace Flexibility - What are Reasonable Business Grounds?
30 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week Andrew and Tom will be discussing workplace flexibility and what are reasonable business grounds?They will be answering questions such...
Workers Recording Performance Management and Disciplinary Meeting.
23 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week Andrew and Nina are focused on Workers Recording Performance Management and Disciplinary Meetings – What is the Law and Your Powers as...
What Do You Do When Someone Frustrates Your Capacity to Safely Return Them to Work?
15 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this landmark episode Andrew and Kim are covering ‘What do you do when someone frustrates your capacity to safely return ...
Recommendations Relating to Sentencing Occupational health and Safety Offences in Victoria.
09 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Andrew and Nina will be sharing their thoughts and recommendations relating to sentencing occupational health and safety offences in Victor...
Victoria Presses the Button on Psychological Hazards Law
02 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Andrew and Tom (in his first Friday Workplace Briefing appearance) will be discussing the new regulations announced by the Victorian Govern...
Why Having Labour Hire Protects No One in Safety Law
23 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Andrew and Nina will be discussing why having Labour Hire protects no one in Safety Law and the painful lessons of AH Vision.See omnystudio...
When is Being Angry Still Reasonable Management Action?
13 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Andrew and Nina explore an interesting case which demonstrates there is a clear difference between how reasonable management action is view...
The Way You Terminate Psychological Damages and Corporate Risk
09 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to our first Friday Workplace Briefing for 2025. This week, Andrew and Nina will be discussing the way you terminate - focused on Psychologica...
Christmas Bully and Harassers- will it happen again?
15 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Andrew and Kim will be discussing the issue of the Christmas Bully and Harasser - will it happen again? It is important to understand what ...
Great Policy But Bad Practice - When Your Own System Proves You Are Liable
08 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s Friday Workplace Briefing, Andrew and Nina will be discussing the impact on organizations of having 'great policy but bad practice' –...
When is a Resignation Not a Resignation: Constructive Dismissal
28 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s Friday Workplace Briefing, Andrew will discuss constructive dismissal and when a resignation is not actually considered a resignation...
Am I Restrained? The Latest Supreme Court Case on Restraints Explains the Lay of the Land
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For this week’s Friday Workplace Briefing Andrew will be explaining how the latest Supreme Court case on restraints helps us understand the lay of t...
Fitness for Work and Surveillance - When Is It Useful and What Are the Risks?
15 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s Friday Workplace Briefing, Kim and Nina are presenting a special episode in Andrew’s absence; discussing surveillance at work, when...
Protecting the Identity of the Complainant for Their Safety: What the Courts Are Saying
07 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s Friday Workplace Briefing, Andrew and Nina discuss protecting the identity of the complainant for their safety: what the courts are s...
The Workplace Minefield of Working From Home
31 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s Friday Workplace Briefing, Andrew and Kim discuss employees’ continuing desire to work from home and the significant risks for empl...
Culture is King - Channel Nine and the Investigation Wash Up
27 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s Friday Workplace Briefing, Andrew and Nina discuss how culture is king and the impact of flawed leadership on culture. They will cove...
General Protections - The Risk of Not Nominating and Quarantining the Decision Maker
20 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s Friday Workplace Briefing, Andrew and Nina discuss the risks of not nominating and quarantining the decision maker in an investigatio...
The Risks of Using Overseas Employees Under Employment or Independent Contractor Agreements
13 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s Friday Workplace Briefing, Andrew and Kim discuss the risks of using employment or independent contractor agreements for oversea...
The Expanding Expectation of Fairness During Investigations in the FWC - The Must Dos to Avoid Problems in the Commission
07 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s Friday Workplace Briefing, Andrew and Nina are on the road coming to you from the Alpine Region where they are doing a Mock Court. Th...
Safety Managers Pushing Back on Employees
22 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s Friday Workplace Briefing, Andrew and Nina discuss safety managers pushing back on employers, the protection of anti-discrimination p...
Contractors and Genuine Redundancy - When Does Redeployment Involve a Consideration of Contractors?
16 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s Friday Workplace Briefing, Andrew and Kim discuss contractors and genuine redundancies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inform...
Office Jokes and Pranks - Are They Funny or Just Plain Wrong?
08 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's Friday Workplace Briefing, Andrew and Nina discuss if office jokes and pranks are funny, or just plain wrong. People respond differentl...
Right to Disconnect - Not a Right to Say No to Work!
01 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's Friday Workplace Briefing, Andrew and Kim discuss the right to disconnect and how that is not necessarily the right to say no to work.S...
The Right Way to Manage Pregnant Workers
26 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s Friday Workplace Briefing, Andrew and Nina discuss the right way to manage pregnant workers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy i...
What is Happening to the CFMEU? An Update
19 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's Friday Workplace Briefing, Andrew and Kim give an update on what is happening to the CFMEU. It appears the gloves are off and everyone ...
Yes - A Principal Contractor Does Owe Duties to Other Workers On Site
11 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s Friday Workplace Briefing, Andrew and Nina discuss how a principal contractor owes duties to other workers on site and how a new Supr...
Will Employee Fatigue Land You in Jail? Yes
05 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s Friday Workplace Briefing, Andrew and Kim discuss how recent WorkSafe charges of reckless endangerment over a failure to manage f...
Is the CMFEU Bad? Or Are We Bad for Allowing It to Become What It Is?
29 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s Friday Workplace Briefing, Andrew and Nina discuss what is happening with the CFMEU. Is the CFMEU bad? Or are we bad for allowing it ...
Officers - Our Leaders Face New Safety Challenges From Their Business, The Regulators & The Courts
21 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s Friday Workplace Briefing, Andrew and Nina discuss what our officers must know to be safe and build safety. Our leaders are facing ne...
Protecting the Victim in an Investigation - Rights and Wrongs
14 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s Friday Workplace Briefing, Andrew and Kim discuss that sometimes the desire to protect a complainant can have terrible consequences. ...
Medicinal Cannabis - Fit For Work?
07 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s Friday Workplace Briefing, Nina discusses medicinal cannabis and when it is safe to work.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy in...
Negotiating Your Enterprise Agreement
30 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s Friday Workplace Briefing, Andrew and Nina discuss negotiating your Enterprise Agreement. After taking us through preparation of EAs ...
Exterprise Agreements Are Expiring - How Do You Get the Best Bang for Your Buck From an EA?
23 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's Friday Workplace Briefing, Andrew and Kim discuss what are the best processes to follow to review your Enterprise Agreements when they ...
The Duties of HR and OHS Managers to Stand Up For What Is Right
16 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
HR and safety managers are often asked to bend the rules - what should they do? In this week’s Friday Workplace Briefing, Andrew and Nina discuss th...
How to Manage a Theft Allegation In Your Workplace - Understanding the Standard of Proof and Process
09 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's Friday Workplace Briefing, Andrew and Kim discuss the standard of proof and process in managing a theft allegation in your workplace.Se...
Is He Fit for Work? The Wash Up of Little's Case
02 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's Friday Workplace Briefing, Andrew and Nina discuss the law around inherent requirements of the job and false representations of fitness...
Being Connected is Connected! Misuse of Social Media to Criticise Bosses Online
26 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s Friday Workplace Briefing, Andrew and Nina discuss how discipline is permitted when there is a misuse of social media to criticise bo...
When the Union Comes Knocking - What Are the Employer's Rights?
19 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's Friday Workplace Briefing, Andrew and Kim discuss employers’ rights and obligations when the Union comes knocking.See omnystudio.com/...
Unconscionability and Fixed Term Contracts - Termination at the Initiative of the Employer
12 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's Friday Workplace Briefing, Andrew and Nina discuss when trying to avoid the FWC jurisdiction through the use of Fixed Term Contracts is...
The Big Drink - When Is Last Night’s Big Night Too Much?
05 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s Friday Workplace Briefing, Andrew and Qiuyi be discuss 'The Big Drink'. When is last night’s big night too much? They will explo...
Who Will Be Charged with Industrial Manslaughter?
28 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For this week's Friday Workplace Briefing, Andrew and Kim discuss: who will be charged next with Industrial Manslaughter? Who are the safety regulator...
When Can HR and OHS Manager Be Liable For Their Actions?
22 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For this week's Friday Workplace Briefing, Andrew and Kim discuss when HR and OHS Managers can be liable for their actions and examining new case law ...
When Does Managing Conflict Tip Over to Bullying?
14 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For this week’s Friday Workplace Briefing Andrew and Nina analyse when managing conflict tips over to bullying. In a recent case before the FWC, an...
The Big Fight Over Award Flexibility
07 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's Friday Workplace Briefing, Andrew and Nina discuss the big fight over Award flexibility. The unions push for flexibility unless unjusti...
High Court Considering Damages Award for Bad Dismissals: Fundamental Change in the Law, What Does It Mean for Employers and Insurers
24 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's Friday Workplace Briefing, Andrew and Nina discuss a significant case before the High Court considering the potential for damages for ...
The Essential Ingredients in a Successful Offer of Settlement That Makes an Employee Say "Yes"
17 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When is an offer to settle enough to trigger a costs order? This week, Andrew Douglas and Kim McLagan tell us what the essential ingredients are for a...
Entry Into Hazardous Areas
10 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Andrew and Nina discuss the recent New Zealand case regarding entry into hazardous areas - WorkSafe New Zealand v Whakaari Management Limited [2024]. ...
Safety and Enforceable Undertakings - Risk vs Reward
03 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Regulators have demonstrated the desire to offer undertakings in serious contraventions of safety law where there have been high consequences. In ...
Investigations Are Not Easy - If Lawyers Can Get Them Wrong, Anyone Can!
25 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's Friday Workplace Briefing, Andrew Douglas and Kim McLagan are taking us through workplace investigations and the challenges that employ...
What Is All The Fuss? The Right to Disconnect, When It Becomes Law and How to Manage It With Your Employees
15 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's Friday Workplace Briefing, Andrew Douglas and Nina Hoang explain what all the fuss is about regarding the Right to Disconnect. They’l...
Closing the Gates on Out of Hours Contact with Employees - Federal Government's Latest Push to Protect Workers
11 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's Friday Workplace Briefing, Andrew Douglas and Nina Hoang discuss closing the gates on out of hours contact with employees and the Feder...
New WorkSafe Code - Sexual Harassment
04 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Safe Work Australia’s new code of sexual and gender-based harassment is a game changer supporting safety regulators intrusion into traditional workp...
Looking Forward - Top 10 Issues for HR, Safety and Injury Management Professionals
17 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to our final Friday Workplace Briefing of 2023. This week, Andrew Douglas and Nina Hoang will take us through the top 10 issues facing HR, saf...
The Long and Short of Fixed Term Contracts - Secure Jobs reform of fixed term contracts becomes law
10 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's Friday Workplace Briefing, Andrew Douglas and Nina Hoang discuss the Secure Jobs reform of fixed term contracts becoming law today, wh...
When an Employer Disparages an Ex-Employee - Defamation and Reputational Damage
03 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When an employee leaves or is dismissed, it is tempting to tell the world their failings. Recent cases on non-disparagement and defamation tell an ugl...