Specialist HR

08/09/2026

Non-compete clauses for workers earning under $190,100 a year will be banned under draft legislation.

Draft laws will bar non-compete clauses for those earning under $190,100, but employer groups warn the changes go too far

02/09/2026

While casual employment is different from permanent employment, workplace rights still apply, including:

- minimum pay and casual loading (or a specific casual rate)
- protection from bullying, harassment and discrimination
- certain types of paid and unpaid leave
- a pathway to permanent employment.

30/07/2026

This month the Australian Government extended the national Paid Parental Leave scheme to 26 weeks!

13/07/2026

Snap inspections of 40 businesses across Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay were recently conducted by Australian Border Force officers and the Fair Work Ombudsman.

We checked that employers of migrant workers are complying with the law, across a range of sectors including:
🍔 fast food, restaurants and cafés
🛍️ general retail
💄 hair and beauty, and
🌡️ healthcare.

Using a person's immigration status to exploit them is a criminal offence. Penalties include up to two years' imprisonment and/or substantial fines.

Employers can check the work rights of prospective employees using Home Affairs' Visa Entitlement Verification Online system: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/already-have-a-visa/check-visa-details-and-conditions/check-conditions-online

30/05/2026

Throwback to 2015 when our Principal Consultant, Gabriel Alkan of Specialist HR, was featured in The Sydney Morning Herald sharing insights on managing difficult workplace conversations.

While HR challenges continue to evolve, clear communication, fairness and practical people management remain at the core of high performing workplaces.

Specialist HR is proud to have contributed to industry discussions over the years and to continue supporting Australian businesses with workplace relations, HR compliance and employee management matters.

Thank you to The Sydney Morning Herald for the opportunity to feature Gabriel Alkan and his insights on workplace management.

Article:

https://www.smh.com.au/business/small-business/nailing-difficult-conversations-20150511-ggyxz0.html?fbclid=IwdGRjcASH0VFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEe2zicNVr7jrSc4K_5SpOR2iIuI1ETW9PdyHvCESVAa8TzmCEKf7dIImFwQro_aem_5sX8nUzy2VsWIuv0tBRMlQ

Most of us prefer to avoid confronting others with our disagreements, but there's a right way to do it.

15/05/2026

24/03/2026

Working from home again?
🏠 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♀️

The world's top energy agency has called for Australian businesses to allow employees to work from home amid concerns over fuel supply.

09/03/2026

Working overtime?

Some awards and enterprise agreements let you take paid time off instead of being paid overtime rates for working outside your ordinary hours. This is also known as time in lieu (TIL) or time off in lieu (TOIL).

If you choose to take TOIL, it’s important to remember that most awards say you need a written agreement with your employer.

Most awards also say you can’t be forced to take TOIL instead of being paid for overtime.

29/01/2026

Full time minimum wages in Building & Construction.