PIER ONE LAW

02/08/2026

WORKPLACE FINES GAIN MOMENTUM WHILE ONCE FAITHFUL INVESTIGATION METHODS FAIL TO KEEP PACE.

A QLD miner was killed in a roof collapse at the Crinum underground coal mine in September 2021.

His employer was convicted of industrial manslaughter. The Brisbane District Court imposed a $7 million fine, ordered approximately $300,000 in the regulator’s costs, and recorded a conviction.

This landmark case continues to highlight the ineffectiveness of our incident analysis methods and management systems that have historically focussed on lower, isolated levels of the system, missing a range of factors that lead to catastrophic events like these.

The findings of this matter provided a focus on lower level decision making, failed safe work methods and consultation highlighting the opportunity to consider broader and higher level factors to avoid reoccurrence.

Fines are also an important tool, but real workplace change must be driven by the involvement of all levels of the system.

02/08/2026

Signed a contract saying you’ll retire at 65? That clause may not be worth the paper it’s written on.

A Sydney chauffeur had driven for the Consulate General of India for more than ten years. Clean record. No performance issues. When he signed on in 2015, the contract said he would retire at 65. He turned 65 in July last year, and that was the end of his job.

The employer told the Fair Work Commission that nobody had been dismissed — the fixed-term contract had simply run its course. The Commission didn’t accept it.

Deputy President Wright found the man had no real choice about that clause. Agree to it, or don’t get the job. She found it was likely to breach the Age Discrimination Act 2004 (Cth), and that the retirement requirement had been dressed up as a fixed-term contract so the employer could rely on it later.

Reinstatement wasn’t on the table because the Foreign States Immunities Act 1985 stops a tribunal ordering a foreign state to re-employ anyone. So it came down to money. Lost earnings were assessed at roughly $174,000 to age pension eligibility, discounted for contingencies, then cut back by the statutory cap to $43,519.05 plus super.

The lesson for employers what you call a clause doesn’t matter. What the clause actually does, or causes, is the key issue. If age is the real trigger for the job ending, labelling it a fixed term won’t save an employer.

If you have a mandatory retirement age sitting in your employment contracts, now is the time to review it.

31/07/2026

If you’re caught in a dispute with your builder concerning water leaks, structural defects and complaints about building negligence, you often have multiple options available to you.

Knowing what to do and when is critical in preserving your insurance rights and being able to negotiate a reasonable outcome or seeking the assistance of the court.

We set out a clear approach that focuses on a combination of QBCC complaints, Home Warranty Insurance, builder complaints and negligence compensation.

Strict time frames apply from the moment you notice water ingress so it’s important to move quickly.

31/07/2026

ROOF LEAKING? water ingress is a structural defect in QLD.

25/02/2024

25/06/2023

Building Defects: QBCC 15 Week Wait Time!

It's important to note that in the event of building defects, the current waiting time for the QBCC to inspect a major defect in your home is about 15 weeks from the date of notification. We understand that this wait can be frustrating and have a number of steps we recommend taking while waiting to prevent any claims issues later on.

25/06/2023

Our Law Lounge podcast and daily tips is aimed at sharing legal information on topics that matter to you. Message us here or email us at [email protected]

25/06/2023

We understand the unique requirements of small businesses and trades by offering dependable expertise in insurance and risk management, designing efficient systems, handling debt recovery, and developing contractor agreements. Our focus lies in building a foundation of trust with our clients to consistently deliver reliable legal solutions tailored to your individual needs, ensuring stability and peace of mind for families and small enterprises. [email protected]

25/06/2023

We prioritise protecting the interests of families by simplifying the will preparation process, while offering the assurance of a fixed fee. With a deep understanding of how busy life can be, we provide flexible options by either coming to you or meeting online, effectively catering to your needs. We recognize the importance of addressing the vital legal step that note than 50% of Australians tend to postpone. Get in touch with our dedicated and experienced team today to ensure your family's interests are safeguarded for the future: [email protected]

25/06/2023

Buying or selling a yacht or power boat? We’ve helped boaties across Australia prepare contracts to buy and sell vessels to make sure your asset is properly transferred and protected. [email protected]