Expertise Archives:
Madeline Simpson
Elizabeth Ryan
Ben Turnbull
Independent Planning Commission sets new greenhouse gas performance measures in approval for Narrabri Mine extension
On 1 April 2022, the NSW Independent Planning Commission (Commission) granted approval for the Narrabri Underground Mine Stage 3 Extension Project (Extension Project). The development consent granted in respect of the Extension Project incorporates a number of unprecedented conditions targeted at the minimisation of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE). For proponents, these conditions and the reasons …
Alesia Shard
Patrick O’Brien
Protection under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 (Cth) extends beyond Mount Panorama – What you need to know
In May 2021, the Commonwealth Minister for Environment (Minister) declared the Wahlua-Mount Panorama Site in Bathurst to be a significant Aboriginal area under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 (Cth) (Act). This declaration prohibited Bathurst Regional Council’s proposed development of a go-kart track just days before construction works were set to …
Electricity Infrastructure Investment Bill passes NSW Parliament Upper House – what you need to know
On 25 November 2020, the Electricity Infrastructure Investment Bill 2020 (NSW) (Renewables Bill) passed the NSW Parliament Upper House following over 30 hours of ongoing debate that challenged 249 proposed amendments. With the Renewables Bill expected to be assented to before the end of 2020, it is guaranteed to shake up the NSW energy market …
Business Interruption Insurance – COVID-19 Test Case creates opportunity for loss recovery
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia and overseas has had a hugely damaging economic effect on the business community. Many of these businesses hold Business Interruption (BI) insurance and may have either had claims declined or not pursued them on advice that the policy did not respond. Alternatively, they may not have considered …
What is a day? High Court Delivers Landmark Decision on Personal Leave Entitlements
In a significant decision, the High Court of Australia has clarified the method of calculating an employee’s entitlement to paid personal/ carer’s leave under the Fair Work legislation. On 13 August 2020 the High Court of Australia handed down its decision in Mondelez Australia Pty Ltd v AMWU & Ors [2020] HCA 29. Importantly, the …
Casual approach causes major headache: WorkPac v Rossato
In a unanimous, but 272 page, judgment, the Full Court of the Federal Court has shattered what many employers had considered to be the standard position about engaging casual employees. An appeal is all but certain. However, as it stands, employers with a casual workforce face an unprecedented risk of employees claiming back-pay, and potentially penalties, …
Continue reading “Casual approach causes major headache: WorkPac v Rossato”
Workers not entitled to use paid sick leave during stand down
In a significant decision, the Federal Court has determined that Qantas Airways does not need to allow its stood down workers access to paid personal/carer’s leave or compassionate leave during the period of stand down. The decision by Justice Flick clarifies the obligations of employers and the rights of thousands of other stood down workers …
Continue reading “Workers not entitled to use paid sick leave during stand down”
JobKeeper payments: wage relief and support for businesses
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Australian Government is offering wage subsidies to help employers retain their employees during the COVID-19 pandemic, and keep employees engaged until the inevitable rebound. Wage relief Eligible businesses (including not-for-profits) who elect to participate in the scheme can expect a wage subsidy of $1,500 per fortnight per eligible employee. The JobKeeper payment is a …
Continue reading “JobKeeper payments: wage relief and support for businesses”
