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December 4, 2025

New Victorian Legislation Restricts Non-Disclosure Agreements in Sexual Harassment Cases: What Employers Need to Know

This blog explores the latest legislative changes surrounding workplace harassment, with a particular focus on the impact of new non-disclosure agreement (NDA) regulations. Read on to receive practical guidance and discover how organisations can proactively prepare for compliance and support a fairer, more inclusive working environment.

December 3, 2025

jessica-bernardo

Redundancy and the Objective Test: What “acceptable” really means in alternative employment

This recent FWC decision highlights the importance of transparency fairness, and strategic planning in managing redundancies. Find out the legal obligations for employers, the risks of non-compliance and learn practical tips for navigating workplace restructuring with confidence.

November 19, 2025

From policy to practice: Shaping your flexible work strategy

A recent FWC decision has sent a clear message to organisations about managing requests for flexible working arrangements. Learn key implications and gain practice tips that support both compliance and employee engagement.

November 17, 2025

Mapien Launches Specialist Employment & Immigration Law Practice

At Mapien, we’ve always believed in helping businesses navigate workplace challenges with confidence. We're now excited to announce the launch of Mapien Law – a specialist employment & immigration law practice dedicated to supporting employers.

November 11, 2025

Aged Care reform from 1 November: Navigating change amid workforce pressures

Australia’s aged care sector is navigating unprecedented reform. Migration pathways, workplace planning and development, work design, and leadership capability and development are key levers to stabilise staffing and support sustainable care delivery. Learn how Mapien can support providers navigate change amid workforce pressures.

November 10, 2025

Employee out to dinner while on personal leave? – Why employers must tread carefully

Practical advice for employers, highlighting the importance of clear policies, fair investigations, and empathy in managing personal leave. Discover why a measured, legally sound approach protects both your workplace and your employees’ wellbeing.

October 31, 2025

AI in the Workplace: Strategic potential meets governance responsibility

AI is reshaping the way businesses operate, from streamlining workflows, enhancing decision-making, to supporting strategic initiatives. While it’s potential is enormous, without clear governance and informed users, AI can expose businesses to reputational, financial and legal risks. Learn more here.

October 21, 2025

Christmas Shutdowns: What Employers Need to Know for 2025

Christmas shutdowns are a valuable opportunity for rest and reset, but they require careful planning to avoid disputes or compliance issues. Mapien’s team of workplace experts are here to ensure your business is well-prepared for the festive season and beyond.

October 13, 2025

Navigating employee absence during disciplinary action: Lessons on dismissal while on sick leave

Managing staff absences amidst disciplinary process is complex. Discover essential guidance for employers on managing dismissals during sick leave, including legal risks, procedural fairness, and best practices to ensure fair treatment and minimise exposure to claims under the Fair Work Act.

September 19, 2025

Landmark Federal Court Decision: Woolworths and Coles found liable for systemic wage underpayments

In a landmark ruling Woolworths Group Limited and Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd were found to have systematically underpaid thousands of salaried employees over several years. The case, has sent shockwaves through the retail sector and through employment generally.

September 11, 2025

Case Note: Procedural Fairness and Access to Documentation in Disciplinary Processes

A recent QIRC decision serves as a timely reminder: when managing disciplinary processes, especially those involving allegations of misconduct, fair process matters just as much as the outcome.

September 9, 2025

The Challenge of Award Coverages for Group Training Organisations

Group Training Organisations (GTOs) play a critical role in Australia's apprenticeship and traineeship system, placing tens of thousands of apprentices and trainees with host employers across a range of industries. This employment model however brings complexity, particularly when it comes to determining appropriate modern award coverage.

August 21, 2025

Small Business, Big Changes: What’s Coming on 26 August?

New workplace law changes are set to take effect on 26 August 2025 for small business employers across Australia. These reforms form part of the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes No.2) Act 2024 (Cth) introduced by the Federal Labor Government to strengthen employee protections.

August 12, 2025

jessica-bernardo

Swept Out Too Soon: The Risks of Skipping Procedural Fairness in Dismissal Decisions

This case underscores the importance of balancing procedural fairness, substantive fairness, and the application of cultural practices when considering disciplinary actions. We provide important lessons for employers when addressing sensitive issues, aligning workplace policy and the principles of natural justice.

August 11, 2025

prathnaa-haripersad

A new attitude towards Probation Periods

A recent decision of the Federal Court of Australia suggests employers need to be more cautious when terminating an employee’s employment during their probationary period. Here we examine the implications of this case and provide helpful guidance on ways in which this risk can be mitigated.

michelle-anthony

What to Do When a New Hire Isn’t Working Out

Sometimes, it becomes apparent in the first weeks or months of a new starters employment that the employee is not working out in the role. We provide key advice about the employment laws that apply in the unfortunate circumstance when it becomes necessary to terminate a new employee’s employment during the probationary period.

alex-aspromourgos

Vale Roly Livingstone

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Roly Livingstone, one of Mapien’s founders, who passed away peacefully in his sleep on 10 June 2025. Roly's legacy is not only etched into the history of Mapien but woven deeply into our culture. RIP Roly.

Tackling linguistic limitations in formal workplace processes

A recent Fair Work Commission decision has highlighted the critical importance of ensuring procedural fairness during formal workplace processes when dealing with employees with limited English proficiency.

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