Feature

Latest articles

Queensland mines set for safety and health overhaul as Parliamentary Inquiry tables more than 60 recommendations

01-06-17 | The final report of the Parliamentary Inquiry into the re-identification of Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis in Queensland was tabled this week and has gone far beyond recommending changes to coal dust management.

Sparke Helmore Wills Clinic for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people wins health services award

01-06-17 | In collaboration with Wheatbelt community organisations, Sparke Helmore's Pro Bono Program established and delivered a two-day Wills Clinic for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, which has won an award.

Federal Court scrutiny of Commonwealth procurement to bring significant change for agencies

29-05-17 | The Commonwealth Government has introduced the Government Procurement (Judicial Review) Bill 2017 (the Bill) to the House of Representatives, signaling further significant changes to the way Commonwealth agencies procure goods and services.

Civil penalty increases for breaches of the Fair Work Act

22-05-17 | The Commonwealth Government has passed the Crimes Amendment (Penalty Unit) Bill 2017. Taking effect from 1 July 2017, the Bill will see the value of a penalty unit increase and, by extension, the maximum civil penalties against corporate entities and individuals for breaches of the Fair Work Act 2009 (FW Act).

Queensland Government announces new criminal offence, "negligence causing death"

19-05-17 | The Queensland Government has announced it will introduce a new criminal WHS offence of "negligence causing death", following a recommendation from independent reviewer for the Best Practice Review of Work Health and Safety (WHS), Tim Lyons.

See more recent articles...

Opinion

05-06-17 | Can workers claim a privilege against self-incrimination in the context of workplace disciplinary action?

04-05-17 | We look at the right of a worker to have a second job and the options for primary employers when side-jobs have ramifications for their business.

03-04-17 | In the wake of recent tragedies, we look at the proactive response taken by Work Health and Safety Queensland.

14-03-17 | The importance of ensuring appropriate safety management systems are in place to manage contractors in the workplace has taken a sharper focus since the introduction of the model Work Health and Safety laws.

06-03-17 | Australia will soon see judicial scrutiny of the employer-employee relationship in the gig economy. We look at the view now being taken by British and American authorities.

15-02-17 | If a paid volunteer is sacked, can they be considered an employee for the purposes of an unfair dismissal action?

See more opinion pieces...

Initiatives

Sparke Helmore Newcastle City Triathlon

Six Degrees network

Hunter Live

IPO Handbook

Our Community Program

Australian Private Equity Handbook

"Look Deeper" campaign

NSCA partnership

Our Pro Bono Program

Awards

Winner, Insurance Specialist Firm of the Year, 2017 Australasian Law Awards

Winner, Workplace Relations Partner of the Year, 2017 Lawyers Weekly Partner of the Year Awards

Listed, 2018 Best Lawyers in Australia

Finalist, Law Firm of the Year, 2017 Australasian Law Awards

Finalist, 2017 Lawyers Weekly Partner of the Year Awards

Winner, Best Law Firm in New South Wales, 2017 IP Excellence Awards

Listed, 2017 WTR 1000

Sparke Helmore Lawyers

Sparke Helmore Lawyers is a firm with more than 700 people working from eight offices across Australia, serving the needs of the insurance, government, financial services, technology, mining, construction and property sectors. Our expertise spans corporate and commercial to construction, workplace to insurance, IP to IPOs, mining to manufacturing, and property to procurement.