
Hiring third-party equipment?
From marquees, stages and sound systems to temporary fencing, generators, catering equipment and vehicles, third-party asset hire is a practical way to meet short-term needs without owning everything year-round.

From marquees, stages and sound systems to temporary fencing, generators, catering equipment and vehicles, third-party asset hire is a practical way to meet short-term needs without owning everything year-round.

The Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023 (WA) introduced a significant change to the assessment of psychological injury claims in Western Australia. While the Act retains a broad definition of injury, section seven contains a new exclusion for psychological and psychiatric disorders arising from ‘reasonable administrative action’ taken by an employer.

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.