In this episode, we look at a perfect example of employee entitlement, and explore COST - including above-inflation wage rises handed down by the Fair Work Commission. We expose the cost pressures threatening nearly every small and medium business in Australia, and explore the warnings from recent fair work decisions about offshore contracting traps. We also reveal the untapped flexibility hidden in modern awards. You’ll learn how to consult your workforce before reshaping roles, and practical steps like probationary redundancies, and smarter supplier categorisation to gain more bang for every payroll buck. Tune in, arm yourself with clear-cut strategies, and keep your business tight.

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In this mid-year update, Tim dives deep into the shifting sands of Australian industrial relations. With wage rises, gender-based award adjustments, superannuation hikes, and a flood of new IR regulations hitting small and medium-sized employers, it’s never been more critical to know exactly what’s coming and how to prepare. Tim breaks down the Fair Work Commission’s recent wage decision, owns a learning curve on gender-based award increases, and highlights looming threats from wage theft criminalisation and sham contracting to Greens Party policy drives for shorter workweeks and paid leave for casuals. He also exposes a surge in Fair Work case numbers that should set off alarm bells for anyone running a business. This episode doesn’t just diagnose the problems; it arms you with practical steps; audit your payroll now, leverage award flexibilities, and reinforce your documentation so you can navigate the next twelve months without losing sleep or money. If you care about the future of your workplace and want to stay ahead of the curve, tune in for a no-nonsense forecast and survival guide.

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In this raw and unfiltered episode, we take a hard look at the current landscape for Australian employers. From record-high insolvencies in hospitality and construction to the mounting pressures of wage rises and legislation changes, the real cost of doing business in 2025 is becoming clearer, and more dangerous.

We break down alarming statements from Fair Work Commission leadership, unpack the ideology dominating Australia’s IR system, and explain how it impacts your ability to run, grow, or even retain staff in your business. You’ll hear why so many small business owners are worried, and why they’re right to be.

We also share proven retention strategies you can implement right now to secure your workforce through this turbulent period. If you're a business owner, leader, or HR decision-maker, this is an essential listen.

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