FairWork Mate
Workplace News & Guides
Plain-English coverage of Australian employment law — the rule changes, the rates, and what they mean for your pay and your job. Free, no sign-up.
Storing Employee Records for 7 Years: Where Fair Work Meets Cyber Security
Australian employers must keep employee records for 7 years — but the Fair Work rule is only half the job. Here's the secure-storage, access-control and backup side most businesses miss, and why it's a legal risk if you get it wrong.
Latest headlines
The HR & Payroll Data to Lock Down Before Australia's 2026 Privacy Changes
Wage Underpayment in Australia: $601 Million Recovered — The Numbers Behind Fair Work Enforcement
Workplace Safety Prosecutions in Australia: $164M in Penalties — And Where the Risk Is Highest
Australia's First Fair Work Sexual Harassment Payout (2026)
HECS Repayment Changes 1 July 2026: New Threshold Explained
More recent
Tax-Free Threshold & Second-Job Tax in Australia Explained (2026)
Should you claim the tax-free threshold? Why your second job is taxed more, which job to claim it on, and how it reconciles at tax time. ATO rules for 2026.
When Can You Lodge Your 2026 Tax Return? Dates & Deadline
You can lodge your 2025-26 tax return from 1 July 2026, but the ATO says wait until late July for pre-fill. Self-lodge deadline: Monday 2 November 2026.
RSPCA QLD's $4.3M Underpayment: What an Enforceable Undertaking Means (and How to Check If You're Underpaid)
RSPCA Queensland back-paid about $4.3 million to roughly 1,008 staff under a Fair Work Ombudsman enforceable undertaking (18 June 2026). Here's what an enforceable undertaking is, why even charities get caught, and how to check whether you've been underpaid.
The Positive Duty: What Employers Must Actually Do to Prevent Sexual Harassment
Every Australian employer has a 'positive duty' to prevent workplace sexual harassment under the Sex Discrimination Act. Here are the 7 AHRC standards, the Commission's enforcement powers (since 12 December 2023), and how the duty interacts with Victoria's new NDA restrictions.
Victoria WFH Law: Employer Compliance Checklist for 1 Sept 2026
Proposed Victorian WFH law starts 1 Sept 2026 for 15+ staff. Employer readiness checklist: role audit, WFH policy, position descriptions, refusal documentation.
Victoria WFH Right vs Fair Work Flexible Request: The Difference
Victoria's proposed WFH entitlement (Equal Opportunity Act, VEOHRC/VCAT) vs the federal Fair Work s.65 right to request: who qualifies, which forum, and which applies to you.
Pay & Wages
188 articlesRSPCA QLD's $4.3M Underpayment: What an Enforceable Undertaking Means (and How to Check If You're Underpaid)
RSPCA Queensland back-paid about $4.3 million to roughly 1,008 staff under a Fair Work Ombudsman enforceable undertaking (18 June 2026). Here's what an enforceable undertaking is, why even charities get caught, and how to check whether you've been underpaid.
What Changes on 1 July 2026: Pay Rise, Payday Super & 26-Week Parental Leave
Every Australian workplace change from 1 July 2026 in one place — the 4.75% award pay rise, new $26.44 minimum wage, Payday Super, super on parental leave, and PPL rising to 26 weeks.
7-Eleven Pay Rates 2026: What You Should Be Getting Paid
7-Eleven hourly rates for 2026 under the General Retail Industry Award — adult and junior rates, casual loading, night and weekend penalties, and how to check you're not being underpaid.
Myer Pay Rates 2026: Hourly Rates by Age, Casual & Penalties
What Myer pays in 2026 under the General Retail Industry Award — adult and junior hourly rates, casual loading, weekend and public holiday penalty rates, and how to check your pay.
Rebel Sport Pay Rates 2026: What You Should Be Getting Paid
Rebel Sport hourly rates for 2026 under the General Retail Industry Award — adult and junior rates, casual loading, weekend and public holiday penalties, and how to check your pay.
Guzman y Gomez (GYG) Pay Rates 2026: What You Should Be Getting Paid
GYG hourly rates for 2026 under the Fast Food Industry Award — crew and junior rates, casual loading, night and weekend penalty rates, and how to check you're paid correctly.
Termination & Redundancy
44 articlesAI Is Flooding the Fair Work Commission With Dismissal Claims — What It Means for You
Workers are using ChatGPT to draft unfair dismissal and general protections claims, and lodgements are surging. Here's what the trend means for employees and employers — and why generic AI gets the Australian detail wrong.
Unfair Dismissal, General Protections or Breach of Contract — Which Claim Is Yours?
Lost your job in Australia and not sure which claim fits? The plain-English difference between unfair dismissal, a general protections claim, and breach of contract — including the strict 21-day deadline.
Got a Redundancy Payout? Here's When Centrelink Actually Starts Paying
A redundancy payout doesn't mean JobSeeker kicks in straight away. The Income Maintenance Period and Liquid Assets Waiting Period can hold up your payments for weeks. Here's how they work — and how to plan for the gap.
Real Estate Agent Commission on Termination Australia 2026: What You're Owed
Leaving a real estate job with deals in the pipeline? Your earned commission on sales exchanged before termination is owed under the Real Estate Industry Award (MA000106). Here's how clawback clauses work, when they're enforceable, and how to recover what you're owed.
When will I get my final pay in Australia? — 2026 timing by reason for leaving
Resigned, dismissed or made redundant? Your final pay should land next normal pay cycle (max 21 days). What's included (annual leave, TOIL, LSL, redundancy), and the 4-step recovery process if it's late.
Can I get fired for my TikTok or social media post? — Australian case law 2026
Based on Rose v Telstra, Stutsel v Linfox, Banerji v Comcare and post-2010 unfair dismissal cases. When the FWC upholds dismissals, when they overturn them, and the 3 things that move the test most: identifiability, audience size, and employer policy.
Leave & Entitlements
39 articlesCan My Employer Demand a Medical Certificate for One Day Off? (Australia 2026)
Can your boss require a medical certificate for a single day of sick leave in Australia? What counts as acceptable evidence, when they can ask, and what happens if you don't have one. Plus an employer's view.
Using Carer's Leave to Top Up the Age Pension While Caring for a Spouse
If you're working part-time and caring for a partner on the Age Pension, paid carer's leave + Carer Allowance + the Work Bonus can stack legally. Here's the limits, the order to claim, and the real-world numbers.
12 Months Unpaid Parental Leave Australia: The Statutory Right You Don't Need Permission For
Every eligible employee has a legal right to up to 12 months of unpaid parental leave — no employer permission required. Here's exactly how the statutory entitlement works under the Fair Work Act, how to take it, and how to request a further 12 months.
Stacking Government PPL with Employer Paid Leave: How They Work Together (With Worked Examples)
Most employees don't know you can combine government Paid Parental Leave with your employer's scheme. Here's how the stacking works, the two common structures (top-up vs sequential), and worked examples at $70k, $120k, and $180k salaries.
Parental Leave Goes to 26 Weeks in July 2026 — What's New and How to Claim
Government-funded parental leave increases to 26 weeks from 1 July 2026. Each parent must take at least 4 weeks. Here's how to claim and what's changed.
Easter Leave Hack: 10 Days Using Only 3
Easter 2026 + Anzac Day = two long weekends in April. Use just 3 leave days to get 10 days off. Here's the exact dates to book.
Casual Employment
18 articlesCasual vs Part-Time: Rights and Entitlements Compared
What's the difference between casual and part-time employment in Australia? Compare pay rates, leave, job security, and entitlements side by side to understand which arrangement is better for you.
Casual Conversion 2026: Your Right to Become Permanent After 6-12 Months
Understand your right to convert from casual to permanent employment in Australia. Covers the employee-initiated conversion right, eligibility periods, the written request process, employer refusal grounds, and FWC dispute resolution.
Do Casuals Get Long Service Leave? State-by-State Guide
Yes, casual employees can get long service leave in most Australian states. Learn qualifying periods by state (7-10 years), how continuous service works for casuals, pro-rata entitlements, and how to check your eligibility.
University Student Casual Work Rights: Know Your Entitlements
A guide for university students working casual jobs in Australia. Covers student visa work limits (48 hrs/fortnight), minimum wage, common underpayment in hospitality and retail, tax-free threshold, and super entitlements.
Can Casual Workers Claim Unfair Dismissal? Your Rights Explained
Yes, some casual employees can claim unfair dismissal in Australia. Learn about the 'regular and systematic' test, minimum employment periods, small business exemptions, and alternative general protections claims.
Casual Workers & Public Holidays: Pay Rates, Refusal Rights & Penalties
Casual employees working public holidays typically earn 2.75x their base rate. Learn about penalty rates by award, your right to refuse work, the reasonable request test, substitute days, and state-specific holidays in 2026.
Compliance
37 articlesStoring Employee Records for 7 Years: Where Fair Work Meets Cyber Security
Australian employers must keep employee records for 7 years — but the Fair Work rule is only half the job. Here's the secure-storage, access-control and backup side most businesses miss, and why it's a legal risk if you get it wrong.
The HR & Payroll Data to Lock Down Before Australia's 2026 Privacy Changes
Privacy obligations are tightening for Australian businesses in 2026. Here's what's actually changing, why your HR and payroll data is the highest-risk information you hold, and the concrete steps to get ready now.
Wage Underpayment in Australia: $601 Million Recovered — The Numbers Behind Fair Work Enforcement
The Fair Work Ombudsman has recovered $601.6 million in back-pay for 153,754 workers. We break down where underpayment happens, which sectors, and why it's rising — all from the public enforcement record.
Workplace Safety Prosecutions in Australia: $164M in Penalties — And Where the Risk Is Highest
Safe Work Australia's enforcement record shows 1,370 WHS prosecutions and $164.2 million in penalties (2020–2024). We break down which industries, how serious, and what employers can do — all from the public record.
The Positive Duty: What Employers Must Actually Do to Prevent Sexual Harassment
Every Australian employer has a 'positive duty' to prevent workplace sexual harassment under the Sex Discrimination Act. Here are the 7 AHRC standards, the Commission's enforcement powers (since 12 December 2023), and how the duty interacts with Victoria's new NDA restrictions.
Victoria WFH Law: Employer Compliance Checklist for 1 Sept 2026
Proposed Victorian WFH law starts 1 Sept 2026 for 15+ staff. Employer readiness checklist: role audit, WFH policy, position descriptions, refusal documentation.
For Employers
28 articlesManaging Excessive or Suspicious Sick Leave — An Employer's Guide (Australia)
How an Australian employer can lawfully manage an employee who takes a lot of sick leave: when you can ask for evidence, the supportive-first approach, and how to move to a fair process without triggering a claim.
Enterprise Agreement vs Award: Does My Business Need One? (2026 Guide)
Most small businesses run on the modern award, not an enterprise agreement. When an EBA is worth the bargaining effort, what the BOOT requires, and the simpler alternatives.
Essential 8 for HR-heavy SMEs — the cyber baseline your insurer now expects
Australian cyber-insurance renewals from 2025 increasingly require Essential 8 alignment to maturity level ML1 or ML2. For SMEs that hold HR + payroll data — even with just 10-50 staff — Essential 8 has gone from nice-to-have to insurance + client-RFP requirement. Here's what each of the eight controls means in plain English, and how it lands for an HR-heavy 25-staff business.
AI vs HR Manager: the honest 2026 cost comparison for Australian SMEs
Real numbers for a 25-staff Australian SME: full-time HR manager vs AI-led HR stack with on-demand lawyer. $150K vs $10K — but the gap isn't the whole story. Where each model wins and loses.
What it really costs to hire your first employee in Australia (2026 breakdown)
Gross wages are only ~80-85% of the true cost. The other 15-20% — super, workers comp, leave accrual, payroll tax — catches every first-time AU employer off guard. Here's the honest breakdown.
Can I pay my employee in cash? — the honest 2026 answer
Cash payment IS legal in Australia, if you do 6 specific things. Skip any and it becomes illegal 'cash in hand' with ATO + Fair Work penalties. Here's the honest, non-preachy answer most accountants won't give you.
New Zealand
2 articlesRedundancy in New Zealand: Your Rights and What You're Owed
Understand redundancy rights in New Zealand — no statutory redundancy pay, fair process requirements, notice periods, and how to challenge unfair redundancy.
Minimum Wage New Zealand 2026-27: Current Rates and Entitlements
Current NZ minimum wage rates for 2026-27 including adult, starting-out and training wages. Compare with Australia and understand NZ employment basics.
Workplace Rights
147 articlesAustralia's First Fair Work Sexual Harassment Payout (2026)
Mejia v Capital City Cafe-Bar is the first s527D Fair Work Act ruling: ~$90k ordered for sexual harassment and underpayment. What it means for your claim.
Victoria WFH Right vs Fair Work Flexible Request: The Difference
Victoria's proposed WFH entitlement (Equal Opportunity Act, VEOHRC/VCAT) vs the federal Fair Work s.65 right to request: who qualifies, which forum, and which applies to you.
Does Victoria's WFH Law Apply to Small Business? The 1 July 2027 Deferral Explained
Victoria's proposed work-from-home law gives employers with fewer than 15 staff until 1 July 2027 to comply, not an exemption. What counts, and what to do now.
Refused WFH in Victoria? The VEOHRC and VCAT Process
If Victoria's proposed work-from-home right is refused, disputes go through VEOHRC conciliation then VCAT — not the Fair Work Commission. Here is the step-by-step process.
Workplace Delegates' Rights in Australia: What Changed in 2026
Every modern award now carries a workplace delegates' rights term — and the Fair Work Commission rewrote it in January 2026 after the Federal Court found the original deficient. Here's what a delegate is entitled to, and what your employer can't do.
International Student Work Hours in Australia (2026): The 48-Hour Fortnight Cap Explained
On a Subclass 500 student visa you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session — and unlimited hours on breaks. Here's exactly how the cap works, what counts, the penalties for going over, and the truth about the proposed 60-hour change.
Finance & Property
45 articlesHECS Repayment Changes 1 July 2026: New Threshold Explained
From 1 July 2026 HECS repayments use a marginal system with a $69,528 threshold. Here's the new rates, how it changes your payslip and what to do.
Tax-Free Threshold & Second-Job Tax in Australia Explained (2026)
Should you claim the tax-free threshold? Why your second job is taxed more, which job to claim it on, and how it reconciles at tax time. ATO rules for 2026.
When Can You Lodge Your 2026 Tax Return? Dates & Deadline
You can lodge your 2025-26 tax return from 1 July 2026, but the ATO says wait until late July for pre-fill. Self-lodge deadline: Monday 2 November 2026.
HECS 20% Reduction: How to Check the ATO Applied It (and What to Do If It's Wrong)
The ATO applied the 20% HECS-HELP cut between April and May 2026. Here's exactly where to check your new balance, what the credit looks like, the order it was applied in, and what to do if it's missing or wrong.
WFH Tax Deduction 2025-26: Fixed Rate vs Actual Cost (Which Gets You More Money)
The ATO fixed rate for working from home is $0.70/hour for 2025-26. Compare against the actual cost method with real worked examples, and see which one gets you the bigger tax refund. Plus the records you need for each.
5-Year Catch-Up Super Contributions: The Tax Saving Hiding in Your MyGov
If your total super balance is under $500,000, you can carry forward unused concessional contribution cap from the last 5 years. For many Australians that's $30,000-$120,000 of extra tax-deductible contribution room sitting in MyGov, unused.