In another important decision regarding wage compliance, the Full Court of the Federal Court has handed down a ruling with major implications for franchisors. The decision confirms that franchisors can be held legally responsible for the wage theft of their franchisees, even where the case against the franchisee relies on a “reverse onus of proof”.
Bede Gahan
Rethinking Workplace Investigations: A Trauma-Informed Approach for Employers
By Bede Gahan & Clare Strange on
What employers need to know:
Adapting a trauma-informed approach to workplace investigations can greatly reduce harm, improve legal compliance, and lead to more accurate outcomes. By prioritising employees’ safety, trust, and fairness, organisations foster a culture of respect and accountability – ultimately strengthening employee engagement and reducing psychosocial risk.
For decades, the model for workplace…
The Federal Court provides guidance on annual salaries, ‘all-in’ rates of pay and wages compliance
By Bede Gahan on
Acknowledgements to Melinda Bell and Lyndel David for their contributions.
Introduction
On Friday, 5 September 2025, the Federal Court of Australia (Court) issued an important decision in Fair Work Ombudsman v Woolworths Group Limited & Ors [2025] FCA 1092 (FWO v Woolworths). The decision offers guidance to employers on how to ensure compliance with…