In contemporary policing, few skills are more critical than the ability to de-escalate volatile situations before they become physical confrontations. Across Australia and internationally, law enforcement agencies are facing increasing scrutiny regarding use-of-force incidents, officer conduct, psychological injury risks, and community trust. Against that backdrop, effective de-escalation training is no longer a “soft skill” — it is an operational necessity. A recently circul

Being directed to attend a disciplinary investigation in a Queensland correctional environment is one of the most stressful and confronting experiences an officer can face. The stakes are high. Your career, reputation, and livelihood may all be impacted by how you respond in those first moments. Yet, despite the seriousness of these processes, many officers are not properly informed of their rights or the protections available to them. This is where procedural fairness become

Working inside a correctional centre in Queensland is not just a job — it is an environment defined by constant pressure, risk, and exposure to some of the most challenging behaviours in society. But for many prison officers, the greatest strain does not come from the prisoners alone. It comes from being caught in the middle. Compressed From Both Sides Queensland prison officers operate in a uniquely difficult position. On one side: You are managing some of Australia’s most v

We recently came across an article published by Calibre Press discussing stress management among law enforcement professionals, particularly those who thrive in high-pressure environments. It raised an important issue—one that directly translates into the lived experience of Queensland prison officers. While the article speaks to policing, the parallels with corrective services are immediate and unmistakable. THE ADRENALINE ENVIRONMENT — NOT JUST POLICING The Calibre Press ar

The First Three Steps: Why Movement Matters for Prison Officers in Australia

Suffering a workplace injury can be one of the most stressful and uncertain experiences in your working life. For many Queensland prison officers, the reality of injury is not hypothetical — it is an occupational risk that comes with the job. Whether it is physical injury, psychological trauma, or cumulative strain, the impact can be significant, and navigating the system that follows can be equally challenging. At QPOA, we regularly hear from officers who feel overwhelmed wh

Long service leave (LSL) remains one of the most misunderstood workplace entitlements in Australia, particularly when employment ends before the full qualifying period. While many workers assume they must reach 10 years to receive any benefit, the law across most jurisdictions provides for pro rata long service leave after a shorter period, subject to specific conditions. This article provides a clear, state-by-state comparison of when workers can access pro rata long service

In February 2026, Vanuatu took a decisive and strategic step on the world stage. It introduced a draft resolution to the United Nations General Assembly seeking endorsement of the International Court of Justice’s 2025 advisory opinion on climate change obligations. At first glance, this may appear to be a matter for diplomats and governments. It is not. For thousands of ni-Vanuatu workers participating in labour mobility programmes across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacif

Across Australia, one of the most contentious workplace issues is employers altering pay structures, commissions, or incentives without proper agreement . The decision in Akmeemana v Murray (2009) 190 IR 66; [2009] NSWSC 979 is a critical authority confirming that employers cannot unilaterally change fundamental terms of an employment contract under the guise of “policy updates.” For workers facing commission disputes, unpaid wages, or adverse changes to remuneration , this

In employment disputes across Australia, a recurring issue arises when employers attempt to enforce contractual terms that have long been ignored. The decision in Aiezza v Victorian WorkCover Authority [2011] VMC 30 is a powerful authority demonstrating that employers cannot simply “switch on” a rule after years of non-enforcement without consequence. For workers dealing with unfair treatment, disciplinary action, or changes to employment conditions , this case is highly ins

A recent Full Bench decision of the Fair Work Commission provides critical clarity for workers navigating secondary employment, side businesses, and contractor arrangements. The case of Adidem Pty Ltd v Suckling [2014] FWCFB 3611 reinforces an important principle: not all secondary work is a conflict of interest, and employers cannot simply assume it is. Can You Work a Second Job? Fair Work Confirms: Not Always a Conflict Adidem Pty Ltd v Suckling [2014] FWCFB 3611 The Facts

What This Means for Workers, Employers, and Workplace Rights in Australia The Fair Work Commission has handed down a landmark decision that will fundamentally reshape how young workers are paid across Australia’s largest employment sectors. In a major outcome affecting the retail, fast food, and pharmacy industries , the Commission has determined that employees aged 18 to 20 should no longer be paid reduced “junior” rates , signalling a decisive shift toward wage equality for

The Fair Work Commission has again reinforced that employers are entitled to take decisive action when employee conduct places lives at...

The case of Irving v Pfingst & Anor [2021] QCA 280 is one of the most sobering reminders in Queensland’s legal history of what happens...

On 10 July 2025, a Full Bench of the Fair Work Commission (FWC) handed down a significant decision, overturning the unfair dismissal of...

Published by MYUNION — Your Voice in Workplace Justice In a stinging rebuke of employer misconduct, the Federal Circuit and Family Court has ruled that Hisense Australia Pty Ltd unlawfully dismissed a long-serving employee after he pursued unpaid wages and questioned company practices. The judgment, delivered by Judge Catherine Symons in Naskovski v Hisense Australia Pty Ltd [2025] FedCFamC2G 943 , exposes systemic failures in Hisense’s internal processes and condemns the com

In a significant ruling highlighting the complexities of employment classification, the recent Federal Court decision in Cropper v Energy...

In a recent significant ruling by the Federal Court, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has been ordered to pay presenter...

From 26 February 2025, significant changes to the Fair Work Act 2009 have introduced new protections for employee-like workers against...

“In the context of the horrifying and ongoing epidemic of Aboriginal deaths in custody in this jurisdiction and across Australia, this comment can be seen as a deliberate incitement to an Aboriginal child to end his life."