Fisher Phillips (JD Supra Australia)

Australia, like many other countries, is amending its laws and regulations in light of the world-wide coronavirus pandemic. Here are answers to some common questions affecting employers with operations or interests in Australia. Please note that the situation changes daily if not hourly, so make sure to always check the latest information published by the national and local governments.

The Full Court of the Federal Court of Australia recently considered whether an agency contractor was an employee or an independent contractor in the case of Tattsbet Limited v. Morrow [2015] FCAFC 62. Overturning the lower court, the Full Court found that a former agency contractor had been engaged as an independent contractor.

2015 marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and Australia. In 1940, the two countries established diplomatic relations following the United Kingdom's recognition of Australia's domestic and external autonomy within the British Empire. The United States and Australia continue to maintain a robust partnership.

In a thriving economy, companies may not be as worried about losing a little business here and there because they are likely picking it up elsewhere. That is not the case in today’s business climate as companies are fighting and scratching to hold onto every customer they can. In an effort to protect valuable goodwill and assets, many employers insist that confidentiality and restraint of trade...