The Australian Parliament has recently passed legislation legalising same-sex marriage and as a result the number of couples entering into marriage is expected to rise. Many people may be unaware of the implications of marriage on estate planning and considering recent legislation, now offers a good opportunity to consider them.

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On 12 October 2017, the Queensland Government passed the Work Health and Safety and Other legislation Amendment Act 2017 (QLD) (‘the Act’). The Act presents a number of important changes that reform Queensland’s Work Place Health and Safety laws (‘WHS’).

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The Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission handed down a decision on 15 September 2016 that should encourage all employers to review the employment contracts or agreements they have with their employees.

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The Fair Work Commission fields thousands of inquiries from employees each year in respect to underpayment of wages and entitlements where an Employer has inadvertently failed to ensure they comply with minimum obligations under a Modern Award, Enterprise Agreement, National Employment Standards or the Fair Work Act (Cth) 2009.

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After attending the recent White Ribbon Australia Breakfast in Bundaberg, Michael Waters of MRH Lawyers, in consultation with White Ribbon Australia Bundaberg Ambassador Rod Medew, have developed a ‘Special Personal Leave’ policy for employers in the Wide Bay region to implement in support of their employees who may be victims of domestic violence.

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Whilst the eloquent words of famous playwright William Shakespeare may have convinced us ‘that which we call a rose. By any other name would smell as sweet’, when it comes to business, a Trade Mark is as important, if not more, than the product itself.

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When you have made the decision that you want to proceed with the purchase of a rural property this should be one of the very first questions you ask yourself before contacting the seller or agent to draft the contract.

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On 13 August, the Federal Court sided with the Maritime Union of Australia granting an injunction to stop the sacking of 97 Hutchison Port employees.

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A story was circulated through the media recently regarding a business in Bundaberg being prosecuted by the Fair Work Ombudsman for failing to pay minimum wages. The underpayment was $28,000. On top of that other amounts were paid by way of a substitute penalty.

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Every employer knows that in Winter, it is likely that employees will at some time be struck down with a flu or cold and whilst they could drag themselves into work, it is preferable that they keep their illness to themselves and have a day or two off. Without doubt, this counts as sick leave.

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