In November 2021, the State Government announced extended mandatory vaccination rules that will cover 75 per cent of the WA workforce — more than 1 million workers. 

It has been noted from previous years that calls to the Employee Relations Advice Centre often spike in January with employers seeking advice on incidents alleged to have occurred at end-of-year work functions. 

In response to the recommendations of the Australian Human Rights Commission report, Respect@Work: National Inquiry into Sexual Harassment in Australian Workplaces, the Federal parliament has passed new legislation that will apply to all Australian workplaces.

Over the past few years there have been many high profile companies facing public, media and regulatory scrutiny involving incorrect payment of employees wages and entitlements.

In Western Australia there are two Industrial Relations Jurisdictions. The Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (FW Act) covers National System Employers and the Industrial Relations Act 1979 (WA) (IR Act) and Minimum Conditions of Employment Act 1993 covers State System Employers.

Managing people is complex and challenging in itself. Managing staff with suspected or known mental health issues is even more demanding as you need to ensure you take a sensitive and effective approach that is consistent with legislative requirements.