Smith's Lawyers

03/09/2026

As of December 2025, every Australian employer is legally required to protect your psychological safety at work, but what you're entitled to when that fails?

That depends entirely on which state you're in.

Victoria has narrowed what counts as a compensable mental injury.

NSW has raised the bar for long-term payments.

Queensland has expanded employer obligations.

If you've experienced burnout, bullying, or a psychological injury at work, the rules are more complex, and more time-sensitive, than most people realise.

Read our latest guide to understand what the law actually means for you. 👇

Every Australian state now requires employers to prevent psychological harm at work. What you're entitled to if it fails still depends on which state you work in.

03/09/2026

Security staff are legally allowed to use reasonable force, but "reasonable" is a judgement call made in a split second.

Ever seen a bouncer cross the line? Comment below.

28/08/2026

Working through an injury: Tough or reckless?

A sore back, a dodgy knee or a rolled ankle, many workers have faced the decision of whether to push through or call it a day.

Some see working through pain as part of the job and a sign of resilience. Others believe ignoring an injury can make it worse, putting both the worker and those around them at greater risk.

What do you think? Do most tradies push on, or know when it's time to pull up?

27/08/2026

The car can drive itself. But legally, you're still the one behind the wheel 🚗

Tesla's Full Self-Driving software has been on Australian roads since September 2025, but the law that's supposed to govern it won't even be before Parliament until 2027.

That's a big gap, and if something goes wrong in the meantime, it lands on you ⚖️

Our latest article breaks down exactly where the law stands right now, what "supervised" actually means for your liability, and what Queensland drivers need to know before they hand the wheel to the software 👇

Self-driving tech is on Australian roads before the law that governs it. Where automated vehicles really sit in 2026, and who is responsible behind the wheel.

26/08/2026

Since the new speed limits came in, have you noticed e-scooters and e-bikes actually slowing down?

Queensland now caps e-scooters and e-bikes at 12km/h on footpaths and when passing people on shared paths. Some say it's common-sense protection for pedestrians. Others say it's unenforceable and barely followed.

Have you seen riders slowing down, or not?

25/08/2026

$116,000 gone, just like that.

Not from bad investments or fees nobody disclosed.

From insurance premiums that quietly climbed from $5,000 a year to $25,000, while the annual statements sat unopened.

This is a real case from Reddit's r/AusLegal, and it's not as rare as it should be.

Our latest article explains how this happens, who it happens to, and what takes one evening a year to fix.

Insurance premiums inside super can quietly drain tens of thousands from a retirement balance. How stepped premiums work and what to check on your statement.

21/08/2026

Hands-free calling is legal, but is it really any safer?

While the law allows drivers to make and receive calls without touching their phone, many argue the biggest distraction isn't your hands - it's your attention.

Some people believe hands-free technology is a practical and safer option. Others say any phone conversation can take your focus away from the road, regardless of how you're using it.

Where do you stand?

17/08/2026

Tailgating: Is it one of the most dangerous habits on our roads?

Most drivers have experienced someone following too closely, yet it's a behaviour that still happens every day.

Some people think keeping close helps traffic flow. Others argue it leaves no room to react, turning a minor mistake into a serious crash.

What's the most dangerous driving habit you see on the roads?

14/08/2026

Most people treat Labour Day as a free Monday.

However, that long weekend exists because workers once walked off the job to win it, and the rights they fought for still protect Queensland workers today.

From the 8-hour day to WorkCover to psychological injury laws, we've traced the full story 👇

Labour Day isn't just a long weekend. Trace the line from the 1856 eight-hour day to Queensland's WorkCover and WHS laws, and what protects workers now.

14/08/2026

Be honest, do you always notice when you've entered a school zone?

Between changing speed limits, flashing signs and the morning rush, it's easy to miss something if you're not paying close attention. But in school zones, even a small lapse can have serious consequences.

Some people say the signs are clear and drivers simply need to be more aware. Others think the timing and signage can be confusing, especially for those unfamiliar with the area.

What do you think would make school zones easier to spot?