Ask an Expert Archives - LGIS

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What are the tax implications for informal workers’ compensation settlements?

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’.

March 18, 2025

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What protections does LGIS provide to volunteers?

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.

March 18, 2025

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My local government has had a cyber incident, what happens when I call the Cyber Incident Response Manager?

November 7, 2024

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What do LGIS members need to know about cyber security in 2024?

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.

November 7, 2024

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Reporting incidents to WorkSafe, and WorkSafe notices – what are they and what should you do if you receive one?

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.

August 26, 2024

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What are the risks associated with an MOU?

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.

August 26, 2024

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How will the new Workers’ Compensation Act impact your leave? Everything you need to know

The Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023 commenced on 1 July 2024. It replaced the 1981 Act, with all provisions rewritten, worded in plain English and renumbered in accordance with modern drafting principles.

August 26, 2024

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How can local governments manage the growing risk of their assets being exposed to a lithium-ion battery fire?

Members have been asking ‘How do we manage the use and charging of e-scooter and bikes (micro-mobility)?’. Charging stations and facilities have already been made available by some members while others are considering the potential benefits.

May 13, 2024

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What are psychosocial hazards and how can local governments manage them in the workplace?

The Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA) explicitly addresses psychological injury and the management of the psychosocial hazards that may cause them. For many members these are unfamiliar terms and concepts and LGIS has received plenty of questions about them.

May 13, 2024

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What’s the Local Government Safety Advisory Group (LGSAG) all about, and why should members join?

At its core, LGIS is all about local governments working together to achieve best outcomes for their organisations, people
and community. LGSAG is one such initiative where we have collaborated with member representatives to ensure they can create a safe and healthy work environment for their workforce when it comes into effect sometime next year.

November 30, 2023

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