The High Court today confirmed the Turnbull Government's loss of a crucial workplace legislation vote in the Upper House when it ruled that former Family First Senator Bob Day was ineligible to take his seat due to an indirect pecuniary interest.
Fair Work Commission President Iain Ross has rejected criticism over the rash of recent departures from the tribunal, arguing they fit a pattern of senior members retiring soon after reaching their maximum pension entitlement.
Former FWC vice president Graeme Watson refused to share with other members of a full bench the conclusion of his decision on the ACTU's domestic violence clause claim, an internal memo released by the tribunal's president has revealed.
The Federal Court has imposed a $10,000 security of costs order on an industrial advocate who is challenging its refusal to quash alleged adverse findings against her in the Heerey report on the conduct of former FWC Vice President Michael Lawler. Meanwhile, former Howard Government Workplace Relations Minister Peter Reith has been admitted to hospital after a "serious medical emergency".
Newly-elected ACTU secretary, Sally McManus, has blasted "corporate greed" and pledged to win major changes to workplace laws, which will include pushing for stronger action from future Labor governments.
Supporting the ABCC, improving business productivity and attracting more women into the building industry are among the top priorities for new Master Builders Australia chief executive Denita Wawn, who will take over the top job from Wilhelm Harnisch later this month.
Veteran CEPU leader Jim Metcher has retired after a union-commissioned investigation found that he should have disclosed legal proceedings related to domestic violence allegations in 2009.
