For most businesses, a decision to undertake an organisational change can mean a reduction in operational costs, a reduction in roles, an increase in efficiencies and streamlined decision-making. However, the announcement of a restructure can often leave staff of all levels feeling tense and uncertain. Effectively navigating organisational change is not something that happens by chance, it requires a clear plan, effective communication and a recognition of risks.

This article will help employers plan for organisational change, identify risks and manage communication.

In brief - The legislative changes proposed within the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Bill 2023 (Cth) (the Bill) is, as aptly titled, proposing to close outstanding 'loopholes' in the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (the FWA).

The Federal Court has considered whether a deed of company arrangement (DoCA) binds a regulator. The case involved an application by the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) for leave to proceed against a company in liquidation. The Court rejected the company’s argument that the FWO’s claims were extinguished by the DoCA and granted the FWO leave to pursue the claim. The outcome of the proceedings may impact the types of, and circumstances in which, claims by a regulator will not be extinguished by a DoCA.

The Federal Government has announced its intention to amend the Fair Work Act 2009 (FW Act) in response to the three-member panel's review of the FW Act in August this year, which we analysed in our earlier article.