Hello!
In this issue there’s a workplace trend, news snippets, a case and sage advice in the “Dear Jen” column.
And of course, I share my recommendations for your viewing pleasure.
I hope this newsletter brings you some wisdom and joy!
Cheers, Jen
What trend am I seeing out there in the workplace world?
Business-owners concerned about employee “under-utilisation”.
Hopefully now that the Federal election is done and dusted, projects will be taken off “hold” and workflow will become more regular.
Contact Jennifer Bicknell on 0411 275 920 or at jen@jenniferbicknell.com.au or Deborah Stonley at deborah@jenniferbicknell.com.
BRIEFLY…
Job of the Week: Amanda Rishworth named new Federal Employment and Workplace Relations Minister.
Buzzword of the Week: “Overemployed”.
Using the privilege of working from home to secretly work more than 1 job.
See: Working Two Full Time Remote Jobs Apologies – this is behind a pay wall.
Truckie’s Cosies Not Tax Deductible
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has revealed some of the (ahem) work related claims people have made that won’t pass muster this year.
Past expense claims not considered “work-related” include:
- a truckie’s claim for swimwear (because it was hot where they stopped in transit); and
- a mechanic’s claim for an air fryer, microwave, 2 vacuum cleaners, a TV, gaming console and gaming accessories.
Take Out Point: Work-related expenses must have a close connection to income earning activities. Have receipts. If your friends laugh when you tell them about it, assume your accountant will too.
See: ATO Unveils Tax Deduction Priorities.
FWO Guide For Employers Regarding Underpayments
There are serious legal consequences for employers guilty of employee underpayments.
The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) has published a guide to assist employers identify and correct underpayments of employee entitlements.
The new Payroll Remediation Programme (PRP) guide has information on:
- diagnosing a problem and designing a large-scale employee-centred PRP
- managing employee communications
- finding and paying former employees
- what employers should expect if they self-report to the FWO
Take Out Point: Many employers don’t know what to do if they become aware of underpayments. This guide and professional advice are essential to avoid making a problematic situation worse.
See: FWO Guide
“Repugnant” Treatment Has $50,000 Consequences
A Melbourne law firm has been fined $50,000 after forcing a junior solicitor to work extreme hours and stripping her of personal autonomy.
The Victorian Magistrates Court previously ordered over $8,200 in back pay, describing her working conditions as “repugnant”. She was made to stay in a hotel room with the firm’s boss and director, share a bed, and watch an ice hockey film at 1am after a 14 hour shift. The Magistrate criticised the firm’s deliberate misconduct.
Despite the employee’s short tenure, the penalties were paid to the lawyer (rather than going to consolidated revenue) due to the serious impact and the firm’s refusal to co-operate.
Take Out Point: Mistreatment of employees can have serious legal and reputational consequences as evidenced by the substantial court-ordered penalties and wide reporting of this case.
See: Readdie v People Shop Pty Ltd (Penalty) [2025] VMC 3 (9 April 2025)
Difficult Conversations Suck – But You Don’t Have to Suck at Them
No one hands you a manual for tough workplace talks – so I wrote one, turned it into a workshop (and added an interpretive dance).
In my “Awkward to Awesome” workshop, you’ll learn:
✅ A simple, step-by-step way to handle tricky conversations without making it weird
✅ Exactly what to say when it matters (and what not to say)
✅ How to give feedback that actually lands (instead of backfiring spectacularly)
✅ How to avoid putting your foot in your mouth (and what to do if you already have)
✅ How to handle performance issues before they become disasters.
I’ll give you:
✔️A practical skillset you’ll use forever
✔️A serious upgrade to your leadership skills
✔️ A major confidence boost for your next tough talk
✔️A few laughs (possibly at my expense)
❌ No cringey role-plays. (We practice, but in a way that makes you better – not more uncomfortable)
REMEMBER… AVOIDANCE ISN’T A STRATEGY!
Contact Jen on 0411 275 920 or at jen@jenniferbicknell.com.au
Dear Jen,
I dream of becoming a Formula 1 driver when I grow up, but my parents tell me I should go into something with more job security.
What do you think?
Cheers,
Vroom Vroom
Dear Vroom Vroom,
Job security? Oh how you make me laugh.
There’s 20 gigs worldwide and a very good chance of being replaced mid-season (especially if you put the car into a wall at 300km/h).
Far be it from me to dash your dreams but your parents might be onto something…
Cheers,
Jen
CATCH UP ON PREVIOUS NEWSLETTERS
Previous newsletters are available at our website. To catch up on earlier legal updates or viewing recommendations, head there now!
What I Watched (On Netflix)
“The Four Seasons” is kinda like a modern day “The Big Chill”. Tina Fey. Steve Carell. That’s all you need to know.
What I’m Watching (On Apple)
Seth Rogan plays a clueless executive who finds himself running a Hollywood film studio in “The Studio”. What could possibly go wrong?
What I’m Being Drip-fed (On 7+)
My latest medical drama obsession comes in the form of “Doc”. A senior Doctor suffers a traumatic brain injury and has to learn to practice again minus the past 8 years of her life.
What I’m Being Drip-fed (On Binge)
The very fabulous Asher Keddie stars as an online publisher (loosely based on Mamamia) in season 2 of “Strife”.
What I Watched (On Stan)
I got my dose of period drama via the 6 episode BBC TV adaptation of “War And Peace”. Must admit it made it easier that the Russians all had English accents.
