Weakness creeping into labour market as hiring slows
Australia's labour market is slowly softening but the Reserve Bank is unlikely to be bothered by the latest jobs numbers ahead of its next board meeting.
Labour
PM weighs in on fresh push for free or cheap childcare
Anthony Albanese has welcomed an expert proposal for free or low-cost childcare but parents hoping for an immediate reprieve are likely to be disappointed.
Wages bump unlikely to concern Reserve Bank: economists
A 3.75 per cent boost to minimum wages and awards will deliver a small real gain to millions of Australian workers without throwing fuel on the inflation fire.
Blaming lowest-paid workers for inflation ‘disgusting’
Australia's lowest-paid workers, who will soon receive a 3.75 per cent pay bump, should not be blamed for continued inflation challenges, a minister says.
Sackings ‘very likely’ in pandemic crisis, Qantas says
Qantas staff unlawfully fired in 2020 should get reduced compensation because they would have been fired in 2021 anyway, lawyers for the airline have argued.
Union court claim for sacked Qantas staff ‘unrealistic’
A union's claim that unlawfully retrenched Qantas staff would still work there flew in the face of reality, a judge has said during a hearing on compensation.
‘I’m disgusted’: premier lashes pro-Palestine activists
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Jacinta Allan's speeches to the Victorian Labor faithful have been overshadowed by pro-Palestine protesters.
Jobseeker cash rise quashed but other help on the cards
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says he will look for other ways to help people doing it tough rather than raising income support payments.
New generation of Queensland workers confront emerging workplace issues
The third annual Young Workers Conference not only served as a rallying cry for young workers but also as a reaffirmation of their potential to influence and mobilise for better working conditions.
Jobs market holds ground despite rise in unemployment
The official jobs data was more subdued in March as widely expected following a surprisingly strong February result.
Woolies dubbed a ‘model accused’ over $1m pay bungle
Supermarket giant Woolworths is facing up to $10 billion in fines after it admitted in court to underpaying about 1200 workers more than $1 million in leave.
Airport disruption as firies strike over ‘extreme risk’
Aviation firefighters will cause major school holiday travel disruptions when they strike over claims staff shortages are posing "extreme risks" for passengers.
Ai Group backs minimum wage increase of 2.8 pct
Business groups want the industrial umpire to proceed with caution on its annual minimum wage call as unions vie for a bigger boost to help workers get ahead.
PM says minimum wage workers ‘should not fall behind’
Lowest-paid workers should not be going backwards and worker pay rises are not at odds with moderating inflation, the prime minister says.
Qantas workers’ distress forms major compensation claim
The psychological distress of workers who were illegally sacked by Qantas during the COVID-19 pandemic will form part of a major compensation case.
Miner critical, tributes to worker killed in collapse
A 21-year-old miner continues to fight for his life after a rockfall that killed his colleague, as safety authorities probe the tragedy.
Wealthy Australians called on to pay more for aged care
Richer Australians could soon pay more for their aged care in order to relieve budget pressure and allow the government to support those with limited means.
Wages outrunning inflation in win for household budgets
Average wages grew at the fastest annual pace in 14 years in 2023 while just outpacing inflation, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported.
Company fined $1.3m for contractor forklift crush death
A company has been fined $1.3 million and its owner has avoided time behind bars in Victoria's first workplace manslaughter conviction.
Hydrogen hub deal worth $140m finalised for Pilbara
Western Australia could become a world-leading hydrogen producer after the federal and state governments finalised a $140 million deal to build infrastructure.
Bosses won’t be penalised for calling staff after hours
Employers won't face criminal sanctions for contacting staff outside their rostered hours after the penalties were belatedly stripped from workplace reforms.
Right to disconnect laws pass federal parliament
Employees will be able to legally disconnect from work out of hours, after industrial relations changes cleared the House of Representatives.
Dutton cops heat from police over right to disconnect
The police union has condemned Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, a former Queensland officer, over his commitment to unwind the right to disconnect after work.
Criminal penalties slip through among workplace reform
Under new laws, bosses could be penalised for making unreasonable contact with staff after hours but the prime minister promises to iron out the issues.
Big opportunities for seed to grow bush food industry
A tiny Australian seed could provide big opportunities for indigenous communities according to new research.
Stronger work rights secure as businesses warn of costs
Gig workers, casual staff and employees bugged after hours by their bosses are the winners of laws that have passed the Senate to the displeasure of businesses.
Doctor jailed for forcing refugee to work at candy shop
A doctor will spend at least 18 months behind bars for threatening to deport an asylum seeker if he did not work long hours while underpaid at his candy shop.
Jobless rate steady at 3.9 per cent
Australia's jobless rate has plateaued at 3.9 per cent after both employment and unemployment fell in December, Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows.
Minister rules out intervening in DP World port dispute
The federal workplace minister has called for unions and stevedore DP World to come to the table to resolve a bitter industrial dispute.
Aussies will still get their tax cuts: Anthony Albanese
Aussies earning high incomes will still get their tax cuts amid a cost of living crisis, as the government considers how to provide further relief for people.
PM confirms contentious stage three tax cuts to stay
Aussies earning high incomes will still get their tax cuts amid a cost-of-living crisis, as the government considers how to provide further relief for people.