Annual Wage Review 2026: What Employers Need to Know
The Fair Work Commission has handed down its 2026 Annual Wage Review decision, confirming a 4.75% increase to modern award minimum wages, effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026. At the same time, the National Minimum Wage will increase to $26.44 per hour (or $1,004.90 per week), reflecting a larger uplift (6%) for the lowest-paid workers.
The Moers Case: Why Employment Contracts Should Allow Independent Medical Examinations
This case highlights the importance of clear contractual rights to require independent medical examinations (IMEs). While employers often assume they can request further medical information where fitness for work is unclear, the Moers Case shows that this assumption can be risky unless the employment contract expressly permits it.
Keeping Employees Safe from Customers, Clients and Others: What the Law Requires
Under Australian work health and safety (WHS) laws, employers must provide a safe work environment so far as is reasonably practicable. This obligation is imposed by every state and territory’s WHS legislation and requires businesses to protect employees from all foreseeable hazards.