Australia's whistleblower protection laws are "broken", and women who speak up are disproportionately exposed to reprisal risks, according to a new report.
A "cultural shift" is required to improve many employers' speak-up programs, ensuring that all complaints, reports and disclosures are treated with equal respect and dignity, experts say.
The first penalty issued under whistleblower laws reinforces the importance of prioritising compliance and fostering a culture that supports reporting, according to a workplace lawyer.
The Fair Work Commission has rejected arguments that it wasn't appropriate or fair to make 'same job, same pay' orders for more than 2,000 workers, in a major ruling on the provisions that will add about $66 million to the affected employers' wages bills.
The 'same job, same pay' test case ruling handed down by a full bench of the Fair Work Commission suggests the provisions extend beyond their intended scope, according to industry leaders.
When a workplace matter involves an element of whistleblowing, it's crucial for HR practitioners to understand what their role is, and not stray from it, an employment lawyer says.
Corporate whistleblowing laws continue to leave some "grey areas" for HR to navigate, despite the clarity afforded by recent court rulings. Watch this HR Daily Premium webcast for a refresher on key risk areas and how to mitigate them.
'Same job, same pay' claims have been driving wage gains at a level far greater than government forecasts, according to a new report, but a labour hire authority questions the merit of its "broad conclusions".
Some employers have successfully stepped up to the task of managing psychosocial safety, but in many other workplaces, initiatives are falling flat. Join us for an HR Daily webinar to understand what's holding back progress in this critical space and how to move forward.
