Schools are under growing scrutiny to ensure safety during excursions and high-risk activities. Recent cases highlight the importance of thorough risk assessments, well-trained staff and clear emergency plans and reinforce that waivers never remove a school’s duty of care.
A proposal to facilitate the delivery of 158 residential lots is found to have significant impacts on biodiversity values which cannot be overcome by an environmental offset located 60 kilometres from the development site.
Guardian’s dismissal of a casual educator was ruled unfair after the Fair Work Commission found the employer failed to verify her absence and relied on automated processes instead of reasonable checks. The case highlights the importance of clear communication and reasonable follow-up before termination decisions.
The Victorian Government’s “Better Decisions Made Faster” Bill 2025 introduces sweeping reforms to planning laws, including major changes to how restrictive covenants are handled. The proposed amendments aim to streamline permit processes, remove historical distinctions and reduce barriers to development.
The Supreme Court of NSW has confirmed that liability for breaches of the statutory duty of care under section 37 of the DBPA cannot be apportioned, even where no work is delegated. The decision heightens exposure for builders, designers and other professionals, who must rely on cross-claims to recover contributions.
After a 3-year investigation, the Privacy Commissioner found Kmart’s use of facial recognition breached the Privacy Act by collecting biometric data without consent and failing to provide adequate notice. The ruling reinforces the need to balance security with privacy, transparency and proportionality.