Industrial Relations | SmartCompany

Employment Hero wants to be your business’ legal employer with its new AI system

David Adams — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 01:51:54 +0000

Employment Hero has launched an AI-powered system handing responsibility for payroll, compliance, and super to the platform itself.

The post Employment Hero wants to be your business’ legal employer with its new AI system appeared first on SmartCompany.

Fair Work Commission scraps junior pay rates for some workers

David Adams — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 04:57:40 +0000

In a decision set to lift wage bills in fast food, pharmacy, and retail, the FWC says workers aged 18 to 21 should face full adult pay.

The post Fair Work Commission scraps junior pay rates for some workers appeared first on SmartCompany.

Union pushes for new September public holiday in NSW

Tegan Jones — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:56:27 +0000

A union campaigning for a new public holiday in NSW argues the state has fewer days off than others and is proposing a spring long weekend.

The post Union pushes for new September public holiday in NSW appeared first on SmartCompany.

Unions push for Europe-style five weeks of paid annual leave

Jacob Shteyman — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 21:48:31 +0000

The ACTU has launched a bid to increase Australia’s minimum annual leave from four to five weeks, sparking debate with business groups over costs and productivity.

The post Unions push for Europe-style five weeks of paid annual leave appeared first on SmartCompany.

Small Victorian businesses given grace period under state WFH plan

David Adams — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 04:52:43 +0000

Victorian small businesses will receive a 10-month grace period before facing new work from home rules, says Premier Jacinta Allan.

The post Small Victorian businesses given grace period under state WFH plan appeared first on SmartCompany.

No small business exemption in Victoria’s work-from-home plan

David Adams — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 00:37:59 +0000

The government will push for a blanket WFH right, irrespective of an employer's size or sophistication, following consultation with workers and the business community.

The post No small business exemption in Victoria’s work-from-home plan appeared first on SmartCompany.

AI-generated unfair dismissal claims swamp Fair Work Commission

David Adams — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:56:01 +0000

Fair Work Commission President Adam Hatcher fears weak AI-generated claims using invented facts are pulling legal experts away from major cases.

The post AI-generated unfair dismissal claims swamp Fair Work Commission appeared first on SmartCompany.

New year, new laws: January 1 changes for Australian businesses

Eloise Keating — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 13:19:00 +0000

From a national cash mandate and merger reforms, to new state-based laws, changes are on the way for Australian businesses in 2026.

The post New year, new laws: January 1 changes for Australian businesses appeared first on SmartCompany.

Booksellers escalate pay dispute with five-day Christmas strike

Tegan Jones — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 03:53:37 +0000

Booksellers at Harry Hartog and Berkelouw will strike until Christmas Eve over a decade-old pay deal, penalty rates and job security.

The post Booksellers escalate pay dispute with five-day Christmas strike appeared first on SmartCompany.

“Devastating”: Government slashes apprentice support payments by half for mechanics, chefs and more

David Adams — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 01:15:37 +0000

Critics say the move will make it harder for small businesses to take on junior chefs, mechanics, and other in-demand workers.

The post “Devastating”: Government slashes apprentice support payments by half for mechanics, chefs and more appeared first on SmartCompany.