Archived News for Human Resource Professionals

The Institute of Public Accounts (IPA) has called on the Government to reconsider proposed changes to superannuation in relation to fund notification requirements.

"It is unacceptable that employers should deny their employees their full superannuation entitlements, even if only a small number of employers. The Government needs to address this issue. However, the mechanisms proposed will be ineffective and costly to administer," said IPA chief executive officer, Andrew Conway.

Financial stress is the major reason why employers fail to pay superannuation entitlements to their employees. As superannuation payments are separate from PAYG deductions, employers have greater latitude to hold on to money that should be put in their employee's superannuation fund.

Study highlights increase in computer-related pain

Office workers from all professions are experiencing unprecedented levels of neck, back, shoulder and arm pain as an unintended consequence of the paperless office, according to new University of Sydney research.

Black Dog Institute forms new mental health index

Mental health advocacy group Black Dog Institute has announced the formation of a new methodology to measure national mental health.

Employers meet to discuss childcare options

Some of the country’s largest employers have met to discuss the future of affordable and flexible childcare for working parents.

More men want flexible hours

A report published by the Diversity Council of Australia (DCA) has found that men increasingly want flexible working hours to support their roles as fathers, carers and engaged volunteers in their communities.

Government launches anti-racism campaign

The Federal Government has launched Australia’s National Anti-Racism Strategy, with Attorney-General Nicola Roxon and Minister for Multicultural Affairs Senator Kate Lundy calling on all Australians to stand against racism.

Australians less likely to make mental health claims

Australians are significantly less likely to claim GP visits for psychological illnesses on workers’ compensation than they are for physical work-related injuries, according to research conducted by the Institute for Safety, Compensation and Recovery Research (ISCRR).

Comcare releases sedentary work practices toolkit

National workplace safety agency Comcare has released its sedentary work practices toolkit, a collection of information, guidance materials and templates that can help workplaces develop and apply a strategy to reduce prolonged sitting in the workplace.

First round of SkillSelect announced

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has announced the first round of skilled migrants invited to formally apply of visas under the Federal Government’s new SkillSelect service.

NSW streamlines workers compensation obligations for councils

The New South Wales Government has announced reform that will make it easier for Government-owned entities, local government and public universities to lodge security deposits to cover workers compensation obligations.

Tasmania urges WHS participation

The Tasmanian Government has urged greater participation by employees and employers in a number of events being held around the State in the lead up to the introduction of new workplace health and safety laws at the beginning of next year.

QR National announces 900 jobs to go

Rail giant QR National has a round of 750 voluntary redundancies, bringing the total number of positions shed from the company to 900 for the calendar year.

Workers would rather quit than deal with issues

An alarming 46 per cent of Australian workers would rather quit their job than contend with a workplace issue, according to suicide prevention group R U OK?

$400 million lost to fraud finds report

A report released by forensic accountant specialists Warfield & Associates has found that nearly $400 million was lost to industrial fraud, with 89 cases being documented involving 93 employees.

ADF review calls for sexual misconduct unit

A review of gender discrimination within the ranks of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) has concluded that the formation of a sexual misconduct unit is necessary to combat the prevalence of gender discrimination within the armed forces.

Australians a gloomy bunch finds report

“On reflection, it’s not surprising that Australian employees are in a pessimistic state as there have been lay-offs occurring across a range of industries over the past few years as well as a strong focus on the weak global economy in our current affairs,” Ms Brown said.