In our latest video, Andrew Douglas and a special guest cover an important and often misunderstood topic: Safety Regulator misconduct investigations.

Another case demonstrates safety regulators’ march into general workplace people management—this time focusing on the psychological hazards of investigating misconduct.

It’s scary how far psychological hazard law has extended into the day-to-day management of employees.

Watch this week’s Friday Workplace Briefing Video here.

In our latest video,&nbsp;<a href="https://fcwlawyers.com.au/team/andrew-douglas/" data-ac-default-color="1">Andrew Douglas</a>&nbsp;and a special guest cover an important and often misunderstood topic:&nbsp;Safety Regulator misconduct investigations. Another case demonstrates safety regulators&rsquo; march into general workplace people management&mdash;this time focusing on the psychological hazards of investigating misconduct. It&rsquo;s scary how far psychological hazard law has extended into the day-to-day management of employees.
Watch this week&rsquo;s Friday Workplace Briefing Video&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/8ENyXzQNcc0" data-ac-default-color="1">here</a>.

Safety Regulator Attack Misconduct Investigations

There has been a rise in penalty awards for serious workplace safety injuries, bringing increased attention to how organisations manage risk, compliance, and accountability. For many businesses, this shift carries significant financial and reputational implications, making it more important than ever to stay informed and prepared.

In this episode, Kim McLagan and Jim Babalis share their perspectives on what’s driving these higher penalties and how regulators and courts are responding. They also discuss what this means in practical terms for employers, including where businesses are most exposed and the steps that can be taken now to reduce risk.

Watch this week’s Friday Workplace Briefing Video here.

There has been a rise in penalty awards for serious workplace safety injuries, bringing increased attention to how organisations manage risk, compliance, and accountability. For many businesses, this shift carries significant financial and reputational implications, making it more important than ever to stay informed and prepared. In this episode,&nbsp;<a href="https://fcwlawyers.com.au/team/kim-mclagan/" data-ac-default-color="1">Kim McLagan</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fcwlawyers.com.au/team/jim-babalis/" data-ac-default-color="1">Jim Babalis</a>&nbsp;share their perspectives on what&rsquo;s driving these higher penalties and how regulators and courts are responding. They also discuss what this means in practical terms for employers, including where businesses are most exposed and the steps that can be taken now to reduce risk. Watch this week&rsquo;s Friday Workplace Briefing Video&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/ruv0d3rL4Vo" data-ac-default-color="1">here</a>.

Rise in Penalty Award for Serious Injuries in Safety

In this discussion, Andrew Douglas and Monnette Samo examine the complex legal issue of double jeopardy in the context of workplace safety and criminal law. While the principle of double jeopardy is intended to prevent a person from being tried or punished twice for the same offence, serious workplace incidents can raise difficult questions when both safety legislation and criminal law apply to the same conduct.

Andrew and Monnette discuss how these situations arise, how courts approach the issue when two different legal frameworks apply to the same incident, and what this means for organisations, officers, and safety professionals. The discussion highlights the increasing overlap between workplace safety enforcement and criminal prosecution, and why understanding these risks is critical for those responsible for governance, compliance, and workplace safety.

Watch this week’s Friday Workplace Briefing Video here.

In this discussion,&nbsp;<a href="https://fcwlawyers.com.au/team/andrew-douglas/" data-ac-default-color="1">Andrew Douglas</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcsamo/" data-ac-default-color="1">Monnette Samo</a>&nbsp;examine the complex legal issue of double jeopardy in the context of workplace safety and criminal law. While the principle of double jeopardy is intended to prevent a person from being tried or punished twice for the same offence, serious workplace incidents can raise difficult questions when both safety legislation and criminal law apply to the same conduct. Andrew and Monnette discuss how these situations arise, how courts approach the issue when two different legal frameworks apply to the same incident, and what this means for organisations, officers, and safety professionals. The discussion highlights the increasing overlap between workplace safety enforcement and criminal prosecution, and why understanding these risks is critical for those responsible for governance, compliance, and workplace safety. Watch this week&rsquo;s Friday Workplace Briefing Video&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/gANiqZ5qLoA" data-ac-default-color="1">here</a>.

Double Jeopardy in Safety and Criminal Law: Charged, Convicted, Fined—Then Jailed Again?

Work-from-home is back in the spotlight, with the Labor government signalling stronger support for flexible work arrangements. Join us this week as Andrew Douglas and Kim McLagan discuss what this actually means for employers.

Recent workplace law discussions give employees greater ability to request flexible work, including working from home, and require employers to genuinely consider those requests. While remote work became common during the pandemic, these changes could further entrench hybrid work as a long-term expectation across many workplaces.

For employers, this raises important questions. Will work-from-home become the norm? How should businesses respond to employee requests? And what are the legal and operational implications?

In this update, we take a closer look at Labor’s work-from-home approach, whether it’s likely to gain momentum, and what employers should be doing now to stay ahead.

Watch this week’s Friday Workplace Briefing Video here.

Work-from-home is back in the spotlight, with the Labor government signalling stronger support for flexible work arrangements.&nbsp;Join us this week as&nbsp;<a href="https://fcwlawyers.com.au/team/andrew-douglas/" data-ac-default-color="1">A</a><a href="https://fcwlawyers.com.au/team/andrew-douglas/" data-ac-default-color="1">ndrew Douglas</a><a href="https://fcwlawyers.com.au/team/andrew-douglas/" data-ac-default-color="1"></a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fcwlawyers.com.au/team/kim-mclagan/" data-ac-default-color="1">Kim McLagan</a>&nbsp;discuss what this actually means for employers. Recent workplace law discussions give employees greater ability to request flexible work, including working from home, and require employers to genuinely consider those requests. While remote work became common during the pandemic, these changes could further entrench hybrid work as a long-term expectation across many workplaces. For employers, this raises important questions. Will work-from-home become the norm? How should businesses respond to employee requests? And what are the legal and operational implications? In this update, we take a closer look at Labor&rsquo;s work-from-home approach, whether it&rsquo;s likely to gain momentum, and what employers should be doing now to stay ahead. Watch this week&rsquo;s Friday Workplace Briefing Video&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/VBD7hAxIERc" data-ac-default-color="1">here</a>.

Labor’s Work from Home What is it, will it Catch on and What Impact will it Have on Employers?

Join us this week as Andrew Douglas and Kim McLagan lead an engaging discussion on the topic “Who Are We at Work?” In this session, they’ll explore the balance between being respected and being liked in the workplace, and examine the potential risks that can come with personal disclosure in professional environments.

Andrew and Kim will help unpack how the way we present ourselves at work can influence relationships, perceptions, and professional boundaries.

We hope you can join us for what promises to be a thought-provoking conversation.

Watch this week’s Friday Workplace Briefing Video here.

Join us this week as <a href="https://fcwlawyers.com.au/team/andrew-douglas/" data-ac-default-color="1">Andrew Douglas</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://fcwlawyers.com.au/team/kim-mclagan/" data-ac-default-color="1">Kim McLagan</a>&nbsp;lead an engaging discussion on the topic&nbsp;&ldquo;Who Are We at Work?&rdquo;&nbsp;In this session, they&rsquo;ll explore the balance between being respected and being liked in the workplace, and examine the potential risks that can come with personal disclosure in professional environments. Andrew and Kim will help unpack how the way we present ourselves at work can influence relationships, perceptions, and professional boundaries. We hope you can join us for what promises to be a thought-provoking conversation. Watch this week&rsquo;s Friday Workplace Briefing Video&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/bSslEeWWX-Q" data-ac-default-color="1">here</a>.

Who are We at Work? Respect or Liked and the Risks of Personal Disclosure

Andrew Douglas and Tom Daly explore one of the most pressing and complex challenges facing Australian workplaces today: overseas workers, racism, and safety.

As public debate continues to be shaped by anti-immigration rhetoric, it is critical for organisations to focus on the facts. Australia’s economy depends on both skilled and unskilled migrant labour. Beyond filling workforce gaps, overseas workers contribute to innovation, productivity, and cultural strength within our organisations.

Creating a safe and respectful workplace is not just a moral obligation — it is essential to operational stability, legal compliance, and long-term success. Organisations that fail to foster inclusive and culturally safe environments risk reputational damage, regulatory scrutiny, and workforce disengagement.

Join us for a clear, practical discussion on how employers can lead with integrity, strengthen culture, and ensure every worker — regardless of background — is treated with dignity and respect.

Watch this week’s Friday Workplace Briefing Video here.

<a href="https://fcwlawyers.com.au/team/andrew-douglas/" data-ac-default-color="1">Andrew Douglas</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-daly-6258381b8/" data-ac-default-color="1">Tom Daly</a>&nbsp;explore one of the most pressing and complex challenges facing Australian workplaces today: overseas workers, racism, and safety. As public debate continues to be shaped by anti-immigration rhetoric, it is critical for organisations to focus on the facts. Australia&rsquo;s economy depends on both skilled and unskilled migrant labour. Beyond filling workforce gaps, overseas workers contribute to innovation, productivity, and cultural strength within our organisations. Creating a safe and respectful workplace is not just a moral obligation &mdash; it is essential to operational stability, legal compliance, and long-term success. Organisations that fail to foster inclusive and culturally safe environments risk reputational damage, regulatory scrutiny, and workforce disengagement. Join us for a clear, practical discussion on how employers can lead with integrity, strengthen culture, and ensure every worker &mdash; regardless of background &mdash; is treated with dignity and respect. Watch this week&rsquo;s Friday Workplace Briefing Video&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/SWzXTFp-VGE" data-ac-default-color="1">here</a>.

FWC Full Bench Makes its Stance Clear That Racism has "no Place in Any Workplace.

This week, our presenters Kim McLagan and Monnette Samo look forward to sharing key insights and developments from the past week, including an important and timely discussion on workplace sexual harassment.

Courts and Tribunals are continuing to take an increasingly firm approach to sexual harassment claims. Recent decisions demonstrate a clear expectation that employers must take proactive, meaningful steps to prevent harassment before it occurs — not simply respond after a complaint is made. Organisations that fail to implement adequate policies, training, reporting mechanisms, and cultural safeguards are facing significant financial penalties, reputational damage, and heightened regulatory scrutiny.

Prevention is no longer optional — it is a legal and commercial imperative. Taking early, well-documented action not only protects your people but also safeguards your organisation’s reputation and long-term success.

Watch this week’s Friday Workplace Briefing Video here.

This week, our presenters&nbsp;<a href="https://fcwlawyers.com.au/team/kim-mclagan/" data-ac-default-color="1">Kim McLagan</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcsamo/" data-ac-default-color="1">Monnette Samo</a>&nbsp;look forward to sharing key insights and developments from the past week, including an important and timely discussion on workplace sexual harassment. Courts and Tribunals are continuing to take an increasingly firm approach to sexual harassment claims. Recent decisions demonstrate a clear expectation that employers must take proactive, meaningful steps to prevent harassment before it occurs &mdash; not simply respond after a complaint is made. Organisations that fail to implement adequate policies, training, reporting mechanisms, and cultural safeguards are facing significant financial penalties, reputational damage, and heightened regulatory scrutiny. Prevention is no longer optional &mdash; it is a legal and commercial imperative. Taking early, well-documented action not only protects your people but also safeguards your organisation&rsquo;s reputation and long-term success. Watch this week&rsquo;s Friday Workplace Briefing Video&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/IEglqqo_Mi8" data-ac-default-color="1">here</a>.

Courts and Tribunals are Getting Tough on Sexual Harassment Claims – How to Prevent the Harassment and The Claim

We’re pleased to welcome Andrew Douglas back for his first Friday Workplace Briefing of the year, joined this week by Monnette Samo.

The landscape of psychological injury claims within Australia’s workers’ compensation schemes is undergoing significant change. With NSW’s new Psychological Claims amendment now passed through Parliament — and other jurisdictions actively seeking to reduce the number of successful psychological claims — employers, insurers, and advisors must be prepared for a shifting regulatory environment.

These developments signal a broader national trend toward reform, tighter thresholds, and increased scrutiny of workplace psychological injury claims. Understanding what has changed — and what may change next — is critical for managing risk, compliance, and workforce wellbeing effectively.

Watch this week’s Friday Workplace Briefing Video here.

We&rsquo;re pleased to welcome&nbsp;<a href="https://fcwlawyers.com.au/team/andrew-douglas/" data-ac-default-color="1">Andrew Douglas</a>&nbsp;back for his first Friday Workplace Briefing of the year, joined this week by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcsamo/" data-ac-default-color="1">Monnette Samo</a>. The landscape of psychological injury claims within Australia&rsquo;s workers&rsquo; compensation schemes is undergoing significant change. With&nbsp;NSW&rsquo;s new Psychological Claims amendment now passed&nbsp;through Parliament &mdash; and other jurisdictions actively seeking to reduce the number of successful psychological claims &mdash; employers, insurers, and advisors must be prepared for a shifting regulatory environment. These developments signal a broader national trend toward reform, tighter thresholds, and increased scrutiny of workplace psychological injury claims. Understanding what has changed &mdash; and what may change next &mdash; is critical for managing risk, compliance, and workforce wellbeing effectively. Watch this week&rsquo;s Friday Workplace Briefing Video&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/0LssZXs8C3U" data-ac-default-color="1">here</a>.

The Landscape of Psychological Injury Claims Within Australia’s Workers’ Compensation Schemes is Undergoing Significant Change.

We’re delighted to bring the Friday Workplace Briefing back to your inboxes for 2026.

This week’s session features Jim Babalis, presenting for the very first time, alongside Kim McLagan, as they unpack a critical workplace issue: medical absence and termination.

The briefing will explore when prolonged absence may allow for termination, particularly in circumstances where an employee has failed to provide adequate medical evidence. Our presenters will discuss key considerations for employers, practical risks, and how to navigate these situations lawfully and fairly.

Join us for timely insights and practical guidance to help you manage prolonged medical absence with confidence.

Watch this week’s Friday Workplace Briefing Video here.

We&rsquo;re delighted to bring the&nbsp;Friday Workplace Briefing&nbsp;back to your inboxes for 2026. This week&rsquo;s session features&nbsp;<a href="https://fcwlawyers.com.au/team/jim-babalis/" data-ac-default-color="1">Jim Babalis</a>, presenting for the very first time, alongside&nbsp;<a href="https://fcwlawyers.com.au/team/kim-mclagan/" data-ac-default-color="1">Kim McLagan</a>, as they unpack a critical workplace issue:&nbsp;medical absence and termination. The briefing will explore when&nbsp;prolonged absence may allow for termination, particularly in circumstances where an employee has failed to provide adequate medical evidence. Our presenters will discuss key considerations for employers, practical risks, and how to navigate these situations lawfully and fairly. Join us for timely insights and practical guidance to help you manage prolonged medical absence with confidence. Watch this week&rsquo;s Friday Workplace Briefing Video&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/3aHsVMP0R_o" data-ac-default-color="1">here</a>.

Medical Absence and Termination: Prolonged Absence Without Medical Evidence

As we head into the festive season, workplace celebrations are gearing up — but so too are the risks that employers need to keep front of mind.

This week, we dive into Christmas parties and employee safety, and Andrew and Kim explore a topic that unfortunately remains all too relevant:

“All I want for Christmas is respect – the never-ending saga of sexual harassment at Christmas parties.” This is the final episode of Friday Workplace Briefing (FWB) for 2025, and we’re signing off until 30 January.

Thank you for joining us throughout the year — we’ve loved sharing insights to help you navigate the ever-shifting workplace landscape.v

To view the full episode and catch up with the week’s latest news and developments, please visit this link.

As we head into the festive season, workplace celebrations are gearing up &mdash; but so too are the risks that employers need to keep front of mind.
This week, we dive into Christmas parties and employee safety, and <a href="https://fcwlawyers.com.au/team/andrew-douglas/">Andrew </a>and <a href="https://fcwlawyers.com.au/team/kim-mclagan/">Kim </a>explore a topic that unfortunately remains all too relevant:
&ldquo;All I want for Christmas is respect &ndash; the never-ending saga of sexual harassment at Christmas parties.&rdquo; This is the final episode of Friday Workplace Briefing (FWB) for 2025, and we&rsquo;re signing off until 30 January.
Thank you for joining us throughout the year &mdash; we&rsquo;ve loved sharing insights to help you navigate the ever-shifting workplace landscape.v
To view the full episode and catch up with the week&rsquo;s latest news and developments, please visit this <a href="https://youtu.be/CdqtY4LYLbE">link.</a>

Christmas Parties and Employee Safety All I Want for Christmas Is Respect – The Never-Ending Saga of Sexual Harassment at Christmas Parties

The Friday Workplace Briefing is a weekly podcast to update the Australian business community on the most significant developments, issues, and cases across workplace law, with practical suggestions to protect your business and people.

The Friday Workplace Briefing is a weekly podcast to update the Australian business community on the most significant developments, issues, and cases across workplace law, with practical suggestions to protect your business and people.

The Friday Workplace Briefing

In the Beyond Billable Hour, Laura Flora and Tom FCW Lawyers discuss the practical skills that new lawyers need to develop in their legal practice. They share their tips and tricks for success and talk about career development. New law students will find this discussion helpful as they progress in their legal career

In the Beyond Billable Hour, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-pavia-917b151a7/">Laura </a><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/flora-alasaly-b60b1623a/">Flora </a>and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-daly-6258381b8/">Tom </a>FCW Lawyers discuss the practical skills that new lawyers need to develop in their legal practice. They share their tips and tricks for success and talk about career development. New law students will find this discussion helpful as they progress in their legal career

The Beyond Billable Hour

This is a special show that focusses on big, breaking workplace law changes, often bringing in experts to understand it deeply. The show is only produced and published when there is big workplace news and leaves you with practical insights on how to manage the emergent risks and opportunities.

This is a special show that focusses on big, breaking workplace law changes, often bringing in experts to understand it deeply. The show is only produced and published when there is big workplace news and leaves you with practical insights on how to manage the emergent risks and opportunities.

The Verdict   Breaking   Workplace News

Andrew (a lawyer) and Michael (leading agriculturist) speak on the latest issues affecting farmers in Australia. The topics range from farming systems,, technology, farmgate sales, water, family ownership and succession, to tariffs and legal obstacles to running the best farm, and how to vertically integrate what you produce and where you sell it. They speak using the latest data, issues and trends and explain it all in simple language in a fun atmosphere. Both Andrew and Michael are known nationally as powerful and compelling advocates for farming in Australia.

Andrew (a lawyer) and Michael (leading agriculturist) speak on the latest issues affecting farmers in Australia. The topics range from farming systems,, technology, farmgate sales, water, family ownership and succession, to tariffs and legal obstacles to running the best farm, and how to vertically integrate what you produce and where you sell it. They speak using the latest data, issues and trends and explain it all in simple language in a fun atmosphere. Both Andrew and Michael are known nationally as powerful and compelling advocates for farming in Australia.

The Plough-Farm, Trade and Agricultural News

The Friday Workplace Briefing is a weekly podcast to update the Australian business community on the most significant developments, issues and cases across workplace law, with practical suggestions to protect your business and people.

The Friday Workplace Briefing is a weekly podcast to update the Australian business community on the most&nbsp;significant&nbsp;developments, issues and cases across workplace law, with practical suggestions to protect your business and people.

The Friday Workplace Briefing

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