How are workplace rights protected?
The Fair Work laws protect workplace rights. If an employer takes adverse action against an employee because they exercise a workplace right, or to stop them exercising a workplace right, the employee can make a “General Protections Application” to Fair Work Australia. The scope of this is very wide – it applies to all employers, … Read More »
What sorts of employment problems do you need legal help for?
Since starting Affording Justice in January, we have been surprised by the high number of queries we get for employment problems, from both employees and small business employers. Employees tend to want help to: make sure they are getting their fair entitlements on redundancy protect their rights in an unfair dismissal situation deal with workplace … Read More »
What is third party insurance?
If you drive a car, you have probably heard about “third party insurance”. Third party insurance covers you for claims made against you by third parties – that is, other people. There are two types of third party insurance: Third party insurance for claims for injury. This is the compulsory insurance that is included with … Read More »
What does the presumption of innocence mean?
The presumption of innocence is an important part of our criminal law system. Basically it means that if you are accused of a crime, you don’t have to prove you are innocent. Instead, it is the job of the prosecutor to prove you are guilty. In other words, unless the prosecutor can prove you committed … Read More »
Have you ever wanted to stop telemarketing calls?
There is something you can do about all those phone calls wanting to sell you things. The Do Not Call Register, run by the Australian Communications and Media Authority , allows you to greatly reduce the number of telemarketing calls you receive. So, if you are being disturbed by telemarketing calls, you can take action … Read More »
How do you finalise your financial arrangements after separation?
After a marriage or de facto relationship ends, there are financial issues to be sorted out. If you do nothing, then the property stays with the person who legally owns it (i.e. the person whose name it is in). Sometimes this is fair, but sometimes this can cause an injustice. So the law provides that … Read More »
What can you do about workplace bullying?
Bullying in the workplace is a serious issue that can be very difficult to deal with. There is no one agency you can go to if your complaint about bullying is not being dealt with by your employer, as the remedies you have are different depending on the circumstances. Public sector employers and larger employers … Read More »
How do you know if your drivers’ licence is suspended?
There are a number of ways you can find yourself without a drivers’ licence. The most common are: You don’t have a licence because you have not renewed your licence You have been disqualified from driving (for example for drink driving) Your licence has been suspended. You usually know if the first two situations apply … Read More »
What is an enduring power of attorney and do you need one?
An enduring power of attorney is a legal document that gives someone else the power to make decisions for you and act on your behalf, even after you lose capacity to make decisions for yourself. The power of attorney can cover financial issues and personal issues (including your medical care and living arrangements). It is … Read More »
How to avoid telephone scams
Most of us know the usual email scams, but the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is reporting an increase in telephone and SMS scams, with over 43,000 telephone scams reported in Australia in 2011. The Australian Securities and Investment Commission is warning of a carbon tax compensation scam, where you receive an unsolicited phone call … Read More »
