From 1 December 2025, the Occupational Health and Safety (Psychological Health) Regulations 2025 are officially in effect across Victoria. These long-anticipated reforms introduce clear, specific, and enforceable obligations for employers to prevent psychological injury in the workplace—elevating mental health protections to the same level as physical safety requirements. This marks one of the most significant shifts in workplace safety law […]
As we head toward the end of the year, many businesses are juggling leave requests, public holidays, shutdown periods, and casual staffing changes, all while trying to wrap up projects and finish strong. It’s one of the busiest times for HR administration, and small oversights can quickly turn into payroll errors, compliance issues, or staff […]
A recent High Court decision in Helensburgh Coal Pty Ltd v Bartley [2025] HCA 29 has reshaped how employers must approach redeployment when relying on the “genuine redundancy” defence to an unfair dismissal claim. The Court held that, in some cases, it may be reasonable and necessary for an employer to consider whether a redundant employee could perform work currently being […]
A safe workplace is the foundation of a successful business. Not only is it a legal requirement, but it also protects your employees, improves efficiency, and enhances your reputation. At Performance Advantage, we specialise in conducting comprehensive Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) audits that help organisations like yours stay compliant, reduce risks, and create safer, […]
A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a critical document used in the construction industry to outline the high-risk work activities being carried out, the potential hazards involved, and the control measures in place to reduce risks. It is both a planning and communication tool, ensuring that workers and contractors understand how to perform tasks […]
The Fair Work Commission handed down its annual wage review decision on 3 June 2025. The Commission has decided to increase the National Minimum Wage and minimum wages in all modern awards by 3.5% . These increases will take effect from the first full pay period commencing on or after 1 July 2025. The National […]
A recent Fair Work Commission (FWC) ruling has underscored the importance of following proper consultation procedures—even for small businesses—when making roles redundant. The case involved a long-serving employee who was dismissed without warning after nearly 15 years with a tile import business. The FWC ultimately found the dismissal to be unfair, awarding more than $31,000 […]
A recent Fair Work Commission (FWC) decision has highlighted key responsibilities for employers managing casual workers, following a case where a fast food employee was effectively dismissed after her shifts were cut to zero without formal notice. The worker, a casual crew member in Perth, had been working regular shifts from February 2023 until July […]
As an employer in Victoria, it’s crucial to understand your legal obligations regarding long service leave (LSL) payouts. Failing to comply with these requirements can lead to penalties and disputes, so ensuring you have the right processes in place is essential for smooth workforce management. Here’s what you need to know about long service leave […]
Did you know that Performance Advantage offers you options for OH&S audits? We can provide a full suite OH&S audit on your premises, or an initial streamlined Desktop OH&S audit to review your company’s occupational health and safety practices. Unlike on-site audits, it involves evaluating documents, policies, and systems remotely without physical inspections. From this […]
