WorkplaceWizards

NSW has officially put AI and digital workplace systems on the WHS radar!

With the passing of the Work Health and Safety Amendment (Digital Work Systems) Bill 2026, if your business uses algorithms, automated rostering, productivity trackers or performance metrics, they’re now something you'll have to take into consideration when looking at workplace health and safety obligations.

If the Friday afternoon slump is kicking in though, don’t stress - we’ve pulled together quick summary below that walks through what this new Bill actually does and what it means in practice for businesses.

So… can you just refuse to go back to the office if your contract says you can work from home?

A recent Fair Work Commission decision suggests it’s not that simple!

An employee was dismissed after digging his heels in over a three-day return-to-office requirement. He genuinely believed his contract protected his right to work remotely. The Commission disagreed, finding the direction was lawful and reasonable.

What’s interesting is how different this feels to the Westpac decision from last year, where flexible work rights were upheld. The big difference....well you'll have to read the blog for the full break down, but there's a teaser below for you to flick through!

Blog link in bio: https://www.workplacewizards.com.au/revisiting-the-wfh-debate/

We're starting to see more and more hybrid work cases show us where the real lines are, so this latest blog is especially worth a read if you’re navigating return-to-office conversations right now.

A recent Federal Court decision penalised the University of New South Wales for record-keeping and payslip breaches that made it difficult to properly assess underpayments affecting casual academic staff.

It’s the kind of issue that can feel invisible until someone actually tries to check what they’re owed, or an investigation starts and hits a wall, and while this case involves a university, it’s not unique! As you may remember from last year, similar record-keeping problems have come up in other major cases, and the same obligations apply whether you’re a small employer or a very large one.

Flick through the tiles for a clear breakdown of this latest headline from the Fair Work Ombusdsman - including information on how this unfolded, and why it matters beyond this one organisation.

With recent severe weather, including fires, floods and other events, impacting parts of Australia, we know that many workplaces and workers are navigating some really challenging conditions right now.

If you or your business have been affected, here's links to resources can help you understand your workplace rights, pay and leave options, and how to keep people safe:

Fair Work Ombudsman – for information on entitlements during natural disasters (including bushfires & floods): https://www.fairwork.gov.au/newsroom/news/severe-weather-and-natural-disasters-across-parts-australia

Comcare – severe weather & emergency preparedness for employers and workers: https://www.comcare.gov.au/safe-healthy-work/prevent-harm/extreme-weather

Don't forget also:

• Some awards and agreements include rules around pay during severe or inclement weather

• Employers may be able to stand down employees if work can’t safely continue

• Employees may be able to access paid or unpaid leave, including annual leave, sick/carer’s leave, community service leave or defence service leave

• Flexible work arrangements can often help during periods of disruption

For weather updates and further support, the Fair Work Ombudsman page on flooding & Comcare's storm & flood page both have a list of resources to direct you to relevant State emergency services, support services & other official news services for updates.

We're thinking of everyone affected, stay safe and take care 🤍

All we want for Christmas is…… for you not to end the year with a preventable workplace risk or compliance headache.

We know that many of your workpalces are currently juggling end-of-year targets, reduced staff, contractors filling gaps and a calendar full of social events. It’s the perfect storm for safety shortcuts and compliance blind spots, and that’s why Riskmas shows up right when you need it most!

Before we unwrap this year’s Riskmas, take a moment to revisit our past festive favourites:

Riskmas "Tis the Season to Be Careful" - a reminder that end-of-year celebrations, fatigue and rushing to the finish line can create real safety and compliance risks: https://www.workplacewizards.com.au/riskmas-tis-the-season-to-be-careful/

Riskmas "Deck the Halls With Safety and Compliance" - practical insights to help businesses celebrate without sidelining their obligations:https://www.workplacewizards.com.au/riskmas-2023-deck-the-halls-with-safety-and-compliance/

From work parties and alcohol, to workloads, leave, contractors and fatigue - the festive season is merry, but it’s also a high-risk time of year! So consider this your early Riskmas warm-up. Catch up on the past posts no and stay tuned, because Riskmas for 2025 is dropping very soon 👀