The recently introduced obligations on Queensland businesses regarding implementation of a tailored sexual and sex-based harassment prevention plan are particularly significant for employers operating in the construction and renewables industries given the workforce is typically male-dominated and often working in remote environments. Although these changes only apply to Queensland employers, these should be viewed as a prescriptive step for fulfilling existing work, health and safety obligations and the positive duty to eliminate unlawful behavior at work, which apply to all businesses in Australia.

A new workplace right – a ‘right to disconnect’ – has been introduced by the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes No. 2) Act 2024, with effect from 26 August 2024 (or 26 August 2025 for small business employers). On 23 August 2024, a Full Bench of the Fair Work Commission finalized the new “right to disconnect” model term, which will soon be inserted into all modern awards. Whilst we wait for the Fair Work Commission (FWC) to issue its guidance on the new workplace right, here’s what you should know, and what we think you should do to prepare for the introduction of the right to disconnect.

In the face of intensifying geopolitical risk and continuing economic uncertainty, the challenges for global employers to plan carefully and operate strategically to maintain a thriving workforce are greater than ever. We help employers navigate those challenges in our four-part webinar series featuring Baker McKenzie Global Employment Law colleagues from the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East and Africa who share legal updates and trends impacting US-based multinationals, and provide tips and best practices for your success.

In the face of intensifying geopolitical risk and continuing economic uncertainty, the challenges for global employers to plan carefully and operate strategically to maintain a thriving workforce is greater than ever. We’ll help employers navigate those challenges in our four-part webinar series featuring Baker McKenzie Global Employment Law colleagues from the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East and Africa who will share legal updates and trends impacting US-based multinationals, and provide tips and best practices for your success.

The Federal Government passed the second tranche of the Closing Loopholes legislation this week, introducing key changes in respect of casual employees, independent contractors, gig economy workers, the trucking industry, and the right to disconnect.

In this employment update, our team sets out key Australian employment law changes employers should be aware of in relation to the following topics:
• Discrimination, harassment and psychosocial risks
• Workplace flexibility and parental leave
• Pay secrecy
• Fixed term contracts/temporary agreements
• Collective Industrial Relations changes

Baker McKenzie’s Asia Pacific Employers’ Forum took place in Singapore on Thursday, 27 April 2023. You can access a number of related resources relating to employment issues and trends.

Join us for a four-part webinar series as our US moderators welcome colleagues from around the globe to share the latest labor and employment law updates and trends. US-based multinational employers with business operations in Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and the Americas regions will hear directly from local practitioners on the major developments they need to know, and come away with practical tips and takeaways to implement.

Addressing whistleblower complaints has quickly become front and center for companies in Asia Pacific. Research shows that it is increasingly apparent that whistleblowing programs need to adapt and evolve with the legal and regulatory landscape, and it is vital that management implements a regular review of those programs. Explore Baker McKenzie’s custom research, conducted in collaboration with Acuris Studios, based on responses from 523 senior executives from companies in Asia Pacific.

Our Asia Pacific Employment & Compensation Team is pleased to provide you with our second quarterly update for 2022 highlighting key employment law changes across the Asia Pacific region.