Please click here to download a the Spring/Summer 2006 edition of Work InSights.

Editorial

Welcome to the Spring/Summer 2006 edition of Work InSights.

The last 12 months has seen an unprecedented level of activity in Australian workplace relations. The Federal Government’s Work Choices legislation which has been in effect since March has already had a significant impact on many of your organisations, particularly around the new compliance regime for record-keeping and the impact on awards, agreements and other industrial instruments. Regardless of one’s views of the merits of the legislation, I am sure that most employers are thankful that the constitutional challenge has settled the status of the legislation, at least for a few years.

Even aside from Work Choices, we have observed a strong level of activity in the mergers and acquisitions arena, some significant cases in the area of restraint of trade as well as record damages being awarded in bullying and harassment cases. All of these have contributed to a dynamic year in workplace law.

Of course, our primary focus and business charter remains simple: delivering high-quality legal and strategic advice on workplace matters to you as business partners. As we head into a new year, we look forward to building on our relationships with each of you and continuing to add value to your people management practices.

On behalf of the team at Harmers, I wish you a safe and festive holiday season and the very best in 2007.

Joydeep Hor, Managing Partner 

Contents:

1.    Communication strategies in the workplace
4.    Mental illness in the workplace – strategies for employers
7.    Transmission of business after Work Choices
11.   New record-keeping requirements under Work Choices