Archived News for Human Resource Professionals - April, 2014
Workplace drug tests are going to become more common, according to some experts, with figures showing around one in eight people has already been asked to take a test.
New idea could see thousands lost and billions saved in 'super-departments'
Public sector insiders say a push is on to save billions by squeezing all government functions into “super departments”.
Old divide carried out online
Giant tech companies are normally known for their progressive and innovative approaches to work, but new figures show the 21st century companies uphold some fairly 19th century gender divisions.
Rio tries to move away from uranium clean-up and deadly allegations
Mining giant Rio Tinto is moving to distance itself from having to rehabilitate the site of the Ranger uranium mine, and is facing international allegations over the deaths of dozens of workers.
Age debate rages as far-off changes come closer
The mere mention of lifting the pension age has sent many into a spin, but with strong indications coming from various authorities it is considered quite likely something will happen.
Collectors cut ahead of tax repeal
The Australian Tax Office has cut over 70 per cent of its workers from the area responsible for collecting the minerals resource rent tax (MRRT).
Energy body on threshold of new door policies
A group of energy retailers are close to completing their new code of practice for door-to-door electricity sales.
Bleeding memory exposes all-important online data
UPDATE 14/04: The NSA has denied reports that it has been using Heartbleed as a spying tool.
Undervalued government staff strike for better deal
Public servants have walked off the job in protest of pay conditions in WA.
Big five fear witch-hunt as Royal Commission rolls onsite
The Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption kicks off today, which will reveal much about the state of Australian unionism, cronyism and lobbyism.
Falling costs rise as dozens drop
New figures from Safe Work Australia show that falls are still a leading cause of death and serious injury in Australian workplaces
Firing and inflexibility in workplace pregnancy stats
A new report has shown a high level of discrimination across Australian workplaces, which can lead to personal, economic and even safety issues.
Community group leaves repeated Rio plan buried
The residents of a small New South Wales town will be celebrating victory against a mining giant today, after the Supreme Court ruled against Rio Tinto’s Warkworth mine expansion.
Data farm pushed back by internet insiders
One of Australia’s largest internet providers has attacked federal, state and territory governments over their continued push to harvest metadata for security purposes.
Energy chiefs push for union power wind-back
Some influential groups from the oil and gas industries have told the Federal Government to get cracking on changes to the Fair Work Act, saying billions of dollars and thousands of jobs are at risk.
Finding means greenfield deals can come from just a few
The Federal Court has backed a negotiating tactic which allows construction companies to sidestep unions on agreements for new projects.
Mental health reviewed and renewed nationwide
One hundred and fifty important programs have had their funding renewed, as the Federal Government pours $170 million into mental health services.
Early start could be best path for new teachers
An event for Queensland school principals has heard that schools should be actively finding roles for teachers-in-training.
Fund members could fight for floating rights
The Australian Shareholder’s Association says the planned sale of Medibank Private may be hindered by members seeking leverage.
Woodside strikers could lose assets for fines
Fair Work will move to seize the assets of dozens of constriction workers in WA, to pay for fines after illegal industrial action.
Dead bat played to strong call for tax reform
The Federal Government says it will not touch the GST, despite the top treasury official saying it should.