Recent cases show that bullying in the public service can take place through otherwise legitimate mechanisms, such as reassignment decisions and misconduct investigations. Employment lawyer John Wilson explains. Read More
Momentum is gathering for the establishment of a federal anti-corruption commission. What structure and powers would it need to be effective? Public sector law expert John Wilson says the wrong kind of federal ICAC could be counterproductive. Read More
The High Court’s refusal to hear an appeal from Bernard Gaynor, who was terminated from the Army Reserves for his controversial public views, leaves public servants in an invidious position. Can they be fired for expressing their political opinion? Maybe. Read More
Many public sector workplace disputes never end up in court, says leading employment lawyer John Wilson. Read More
Government departments have recently gained an unfair advantage in workplace disputes, employment lawyer John Wilson explains. But the odds have always been stacked against public servants in disputes with the government. Read More
Effectively managing public servants with a disability is not easy, but managers have legal obligations to properly accommodate such employees, says employment lawyer John Wilson. Read More
It is tempting for decision makers to act swiftly when a public servant commits serious misconduct that seems certain to be grounds for dismissal. But as two recent cases highlight, caution is always advisable. Read More
When can an employee be dismissed for workplace sexual harassment? Public and private sector employers have cause for concern following several recent contradictory tribunal decisions. Read More
Proposed changes to the Public Interest Disclosure Act and talk of a private sector equivalent indicate that 2017 could bring positive change for whistleblowers. Employment law expert John Wilson explains. Read More
Hamlet was fortunate not to be an employment lawyer or human resources professional. Following a recent Queensland case, the question of whether or not to investigate employee misconduct is more vexed than ever. Read More
A dummy job application was intended to demonstrate discrimination, but backfired on the well-meaning employee. There are better ways to seek remedy if you suspect merit isn't being used correctly at work. Read More
Termination for bringing the APS into disrepute out of hours requires a significant connection between the conduct and the employer. Employment law specialist John Wilson explains. Read More
Double dipping Code of Conduct breaches from the same facts and fishing for extra allegations are signs a delegate isn't living up to their responsibility to first protect the agency. Employment law director John Wilson explains. Read More
The expansive potential breadth of the APS values is a troubling slippery slope, especially in light of recent APSC data showing a sharp rise in breaches. Employment law director John Wilson explains his concerns: Read More
To what extent is off-duty behaviour during work travel governed by the APS code of conduct? The exact dividing line between work and play, as usual in workplace matters, can be a murky one. Read More
