Fair Work’s Annual National Minimum Wage Review decision has now been released, with changes to minimum wages and award rates taking effect from the first full pay period on or after 1 July, 2025. This is also your annual reminder to double-check...
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Incorrect Wage Payments Cost Chatime Over $290,000 in Backpay and Penalties
One recent case (Fair Work Ombudsman v Chatime Australia Pty Ltd (No 2) [2023]) serves as a reminder that those who make executive decisions that result in contraventions of minimum conditions may be held personally liable for such decisions. What...
What you need to know about a recent FWC case around flexible work
A recent Fair Work Commission (FWC) case has seen an interesting twist regarding a flexible work dispute. In Kelly Foster v National Australia Bank [2025] FWC 959 (7 April 2025), FWC held that it has no power under the Fair Work Act's flexible work...
175,000 reasons why banning non-compete clauses won’t increase productivity
– Naomi Wilson, Founding Director Banning non-compete clauses for workers earning less than $175,000 is a misguided initiative. While I recognise the Federal Government’s efforts, as part of their budget announcement, to remove barriers causing...
Inspiring Change with Sir Bob Geldof: Focus HR Proudly Sponsors Legends at Their Game
At Focus HR, we believe in the power of leadership, innovation, and community to drive meaningful change. That's why we're proud to be a naming sponsor for the upcoming Legends at Their Game event, featuring the iconic Sir Bob Geldof. On Wednesday,...
FWC Ruling: Out-of-Hours Texting Results in Dismissal
As HR advisors, we often have conversations with managers about employees demonstrating inappropriate behaviours, however there is an underlying fear of taking action (especially termination) due to the risk of a Fair Work claim. Does that risk...
A Game Changer: Superannuation Added to Paid Parental Leave
Superannuation payments will now be added to the Federal Government's paid parental leave, thanks to new legislation. The Paid Parental Leave Amendment (Adding Superannuation for a More Secure Retirement) Bill 2024 was introduced into Parliament...
Right to Disconnect: What we can Learn from Ireland’s Experience
Ireland - home of Saint Patrick’s Day, creator of Guinness, a land of great Craic and the birthplace of Game of Thrones. But did you know, Ireland was also as early adopter of Right to Disconnect laws? There are actually more than 20 countries,...
QFVG Partners Who Care
Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers (QFVG) is the state industry body representing Queensland’s commercial fruit, vegetable, and nut growers. For the past few years, Focus HR has been providing workplace relations advice to their wonderful...
What do Basil, Deckboys and the Funeral Industry Have in Common?
It sounds like the beginning of a bad joke right? Well, there is a connection, and it is the recent C14 decision released by the Full Bench of the Fair Work Commission earlier this year. 'C14’ has become the term coined to reference pay rates...
Minimum Wage Increase a Reflection of Stagnant Productivity in Australia
– Naomi Wilson The Fair Work Commission (FWC) announced the 2024 minimum wage review outcome on June 3, 2024. The decision included that: This is a 3.75% increase to minimum award wages. The national minimum wage will increase to $915.90 per week...
Inaugural tree of hope planted at the new Jenny Black Cancer Wellness Centre
“The Tree of Hope is incredibly fitting of the powerful and tireless work the team at Hope of Horizons does for our community.” - Naomi Wilson, Focus HR Founding Director Hope Horizons is further spreading hope across Toowoomba with the planting of...
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