Right to disconnect: Tony Burke defends “reasonable” out-of-hours contact as SMEs demand to see fine print
Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Tony Burke says it is reasonable for employers to email staff and enquire about shifts outside of working hours, as the debate about the 'right to disconnect' heats up.
Annastacia Palaszczuk’s small business legacy after almost nine years in power
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk will stand down at the end of the week, ending a nearly nine-year tenure in the top job while closing a complex chapter in the state government's relationship with its 473,000 small businesses.
Opinion: Adding extra complexity for already stressed SME owners is not helpful
Former CEO of COSBOA Peter Strong says the Australian workplace relations system is the most complex in the world, and it may be very difficult for small businesses to 'look at the detail'.
COSBOA ‘highly concerned’ latest tranche of IR changes will push small businesses to the wall
It is alarming the Albanese government has rammed the Closing Loopholes Bill through the Lower House despite being roundly rejected as flawed and unworkable by small businesses, says COSBOA.
Labor reworks casual rules, gig economy changes in amended IR Bill
The Albanese government has scrapped its plan to impose civil penalties for breaching some casual work rules, and offered assurances that 'employee-like' gig workers will not count as full employees, in a fresh round of amendments to its IR Bill.
Small business groups “disappointed” as Labor blocks debate on specific IR reforms
The Albanese government has swatted away the Coalition's bid to debate four widely-supported industrial relations reforms in the House of Representatives.
Pensioners’ work bonus limit to get $4,000 boost
Pensioners also in a form of employment will be able to earn up to $4,000 more without their pension being affected.
Labor under pressure to pass workplace reforms covering PTSD for first responders, domestic violence and regulation of silica dust
Labor will face pressure to push through parts of its own workplace law reform package with the crossbench and coalition teaming up to force the government's hand.
Brendan O’Connor: Fee-free TAFE can change lives and our economy
Federal Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O'Connor shares his insights on the success and the future of fee-free TAFE courses.
The Voice referendum date set for October 14
The referendum on whether to change the Constitution to recognise First Nations people through an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament will take place on October 14.
Exclusive: Small businesses will remain exempt from casual conversion reforms, confirms Tony Burke
Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Tony Burke has confirmed small business exemptions to the casual conversion system will remain in place, amid concerns over a lack of clarity about the federal government's industrial relations reforms.
South Australian budget: $650 energy rebates, flood support and a new small business strategy
South Australian small businesses will receive $650 energy rebates, up to $50,000 in support for flood recovery, and face a new $6.5 million investment into skill and capability development, according to the state's 2023-2024 budget.
