A recent Federal Court ruling is a stark reminder that a cyber attack can hit any business – large or small. But simple precautions and expert advice can dramatically reduce your risk, protecting your data, your reputation and your bottom line. Australian Clinical Labs (ACL) was recently fined $5.8 million
Disciplinary Action Disciplinary issues can be complex, with employers often unsure how to respond while staying compliant with workplace laws. Here, our experts answer common questions on disciplinary action that come through our Employee Relations Helpline. Q: What disciplinary action can I take for an employee commencing work late? A: It’s important
On Friday, 24 October 2025, REEFWA hosted its Annual Industrial Relations Conference at the stunning Aloft Rooftop Ballroom in Perth. This year’s conference offered 7 CPD points and delivered an engaging program tailored for Real Estate Employers and business leaders across Western Australia.The full-day event explored a wide range of topics critical to the success and compliance of WA’s real
When it comes to annual leave, commission-only arrangements can get tricky – but under the Real Estate Industry Award 2020, the rules are clear. Even if an employee earns their income through commissions, they still have the same right to paid annual leave as any other full-time or part-time worker. Full-time
A recent ruling uncovering significant underpayments by Coles and Woolworths has sent ripples beyond the supermarket sector, affecting industries – including the real estate industry – where employers are paying employees under annual salaries or flat rates. The decision highlights that the long-standing practice of using annual salaries to
Perth builder CASM Construction and its director have been fined $750,000 and $45,000, respectively, by the Northam Magistrate’s Court. The fines were issued after a worker fell into an unprotected and unfilled concrete swimming pool at a residential construction site. The company failed to ensure its workers were not exposed
In July, REEFWA members sought advice a range of workplace issues via CCIWA’s Employee Relations Helpline, with leave entitlements, redundancies and contracts/awards topping the list. Common queries included help with evidence requirements for personal leave, how paid leave works during unpaid parental leave and understanding the changes to the WA Long Service
The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has rejected an employee’s claim of unfair dismissal after discovering he had travelled interstate and socialised on days he had claimed paid personal leave. Madison Branson Lawyers, which had fewer than 15 employees at the time, successfully argued that the dismissal was both justified and
The Minimum Income Threshold Amount (MITA) is a provision that exists under the Real Estate Industry Award 2020 (Award) for commission-only salespersons. The MITA sets a minimum income threshold that must be met by the salesperson in order for them to be entitled to receive commissions. Under the Award, commission-only salespersons are
On the 3 June 2025 the Fair Work Commission has announced that all modern awards minimum wage rates will increase by 3.5%. This Increase will apply from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2025. Below shows the current rates as of 1 July 2025 for
Managing personal leave can be complex, especially when it comes to evidence requirements, extended leave absences and balancing entitlements. This article addresses common queries that are received, as well as providing further insight into what personal/carer’s leave is and how the entitlement differs between state and national system employers. Please note that
A recent Fair Work Commission (FWC) decision has highlighted the importance of taking flexible work requests from your employees seriously and how to respond correctly. This case involved a teacher, Elizabeth Naden, who requested to return from parental leave on reduced hours. Naden was employed as a Religious Education Coordinator
