Local governments, as employers, face many of the same challenges as other organisations when it comes to dealing with their employees. The reality is that issues or disputes with employees are inevitable, and on some occasions will lead to an employee pursuing a legal claim relating to their employment.
Injuries that happen during your commute to or from work are not covered by workers’ compensation. However, there is special protection called Journey Personal Injury cover, which is fully funded by the WorkCare Scheme for employees in the local government sector.
Stopping income compensation payments can be a tricky matter for LGIS members to determine. We’re aware there’s a growing number of local governments that have stopped payment when they shouldn’t have, leading to a large back pay bill and potential $10,000 fine from WorkCover WA.
Stopping income compensation payments can be a tricky matter for LGIS members to determine. We’re aware there’s a growing number of local governments that have stopped payment when they shouldn’t have, leading to a large back pay bill and potential $10,000 fine from WorkCover WA.
In February this year the Australian Tax Office (ATO) made a private ruling on the following question: ‘Is the income compensation component of the redemption settlement payable under Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023 (WA) included in your assessable income under section 6-5 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (Cth)?’ The ATO’s very short answer was ‘Yes’.
It’s a question very few people want to ask but given the current cyber risk landscape shows no signs of slowing, it’s likely an inevitable question for organisations, including local governments.
It’s a question very few people want to ask but given the current cyber risk landscape shows no signs of slowing, it’s likely an inevitable question for organisations, including local governments.
Many local government leaders are concerned about their organisation’s cyber vulnerabilities; in the 2024 JLT Risk Report cyber risk was listed as CEOs’ number two concern. However, it’s a complex landscape and it can be daunting to work out where to start or prioritising initiatives.
Reporting incidents to WorkSafe, and WorkSafe notices – what are they and what should you do if you receive one? One of WorkSafe’s primary objectives is ensuring compliance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA) (WHS Act) by carrying out investigations and, where appropriate, taking enforcement action.
Both MOUs and formal contracts are common instruments within the local government sector in Western Australia. However, it is important that members are familiar with significant and often subtle differences between MOUs and contracts as the risks associated with getting it wrong can be costly.
