Employment Law Reforms Unpacked
There have been significant changes to industrial relations in Australia arguably the most significant reforms to the Fair Work Act since its introduction some 13 years ago. These changes include job security, gender equality and the prevention of discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace. These changes have significant consequences for employers and employees. It’s imperative you attend this session. WEB236V01AZ
Description
Attend and earn 4 CPD units in Substantive Law
This program is applicable to practitioners from all States & Territories
Chair: Michael Butler, Principal, HR+WorkLaw
9.00am to 10.00am Respect at Work: The New Regime
- New rights and obligations
- The positive duty on employers: what is required
- Enhanced jurisdiction of FWC
- A more active role for the AHRC
Presented by Josh Bornstein, National Practice Leader, Employment and Industrial Relations Group, Maurice Blackburn; Doyle’s Guide, Preeminent Employer Lawyer - Australia 2022
10.00am to 11.00am The New Employment Law Regime and Employment Contracts
- Implications of the new limitations of fixed term contracts
- Regulation of the gig sector
- The road ahead for contractors
Presented by Victoria Halliday, Head of Consulting and Legal Services, AI Group Workplace Lawyers
11.00am to 11.15am Morning Tea
11.15pm to 12.15pm The Practical Implications of the New Enterprise Bargaining Laws
- The practical implications of the FW Act changes relating to enterprise bargaining
- Early indications as to how unions are employing the new laws and how employers are responding
- Potential uses of the new multi-employer bargaining provisions
- What (if anything) can employers do if they wish to continue bargaining at the enterprise level
Presented by Will Spargo, Partner, Lander & Rogers
12.15pm to 1.15pm Current Trends in Damages Claims for Sexual Harassment and Bullying
- The legal landscape for sexual harassment and bullying claims
- Recent trends in damages
- What's on the horizon?
Prohibiting Pay Secrecy
- Equal pay
- Rates of pay
Flexible Working Arrangements
Presented by Jonathan Stamatelos, Senior Associate, Herbert Smith Freehills
With Materials prepared by Marco Fedeli, Senior Associate, Herbert Smith Freehills
Presenters
Michael Butler
Michael is the principal of HR+WorkLaw, a boutique workplace law practice he started in 2003. He began his legal career at Freehills, was a partner at Lander & Rogers setting up its workplace relations department and was a partner at Harmers Workplace Lawyers, where he established its Melbourne office. Michael is a past Chair of the LIV's Workplace Relations Section and sits on the Executive Committee. He is also a past President of the Industrial Relations Society of Australia and a past President and life member of the Industrial Relations Society of Victoria. Michael does pro-bono work for Wallara, an innovative sector-leading support service for adults with a disability, where he is also Deputy Chair and chairs its Disability Royal Commission Board Committee.
Josh Bornstein
Josh Bornstein is National Practice Leader of Maurice Blackburn’s Employment and Industrial Relations Group. Josh has over 20 years experience as an employment and industrial relations lawyer He has represented many women who have endured sexual harassment. In addition, he has represented many of Australia’s trade unions, the ACTU, and civil society organisations including GetUp and The Wilderness Society. Josh is a member of the Victorian Racing Tribunal and a board member of the progressive think tank, the Australia Institute.
Victoria Halliday
Victoria Halliday is the Head of Legal & Consulting at Ai Group Workplace Lawyers. Victoria commenced her career as an employment lawyer at Mallesons, before moving to Freehills and then overseas to London. Victoria has significant experience in providing employment legal advice across industry, having worked at Telstra, Credit Suisse, Apple and BAE Systems. After 13 years in London, including time spent leading BAE Systems’ global employment legal team, Victoria returned to Australia with BAE Systems where she performed a mix of HR, ER and employment legal roles, including a period as the Acting Chief People Officer.
Will Spargo
Will is a highly effective workplace relations lawyer. He is regularly instructed by leading employers to assist in complex industrial matters. Clients appreciate his ability to apply legal and strategic nous to achieve excellent commercial outcomes. Will has significant experience across all areas of workplace relations & safety law. He has a particular focus on assisting employers to resolve and, if necessary, defend their position in disputes with both unions and individuals. He is an expert litigator and often appears as advocate on behalf of his clients. Will is also regularly called on to provide clients with advice on employment law issues that are of strategic importance to their organisation including: workforce restructuring and change management, protecting confidential information and intellectual property, responding to regulators, whistleblower obligations and correctly applying awards and enterprise agreements.
Marco Fedeli
Marco Fedeli is a Senior Associate in Herbert Smith Freehills’ Employment, Industrial Relations and Safety Team. Marco’s practice spans all aspects of the employment relationship, with a particular focus on employment litigation, termination of employment, enterprise bargaining, industrial disputes, contracting drafting and implementation, and regulatory support. He has a wealth of experience in both Federal and State Courts and Tribunals, including the Fair Work Commission, where he has assisted clients in a range of litigious disputes, including unfair dismissals, general protections claims, industrial relations disputes and underpayment class actions. Marco holds a Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours) and a Bachelor of Arts from Monash University, including a period of study at Oxford University. He was recently recognised as a Rising Star in Doyle’s Guide Victoria Employment and WHS Rankings in both 2022 and 2023.