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Category: Legal Alerts
Notifications of new or amended legislation and regulations that affect the University’s legal compliance obligations. Areas of the University that may be affected by a change in legislation will also be notified via email.
On the move: changes to Commonwealth Government portfolios
A suite of portfolio changes following the federal election has led to changes to the name and composition of the Department of Education (formerly the Department of Education and Training). A number of ministries were moved out of the Education portfolio; with vocational education and training and apprenticeships relocated to the Employment Portfolio, and migrant […]
New SA working with children screening obligations – a quick guide
From 1 July 2019, working with children checks will be subject to a new statutory regime under the Child Safety (Prohibited Persons) Act 2016. The checks will be issued by a central assessment unit in the Department of Human Services (DHS), their status will be continuously monitored and they will be current for a 5 […]
Under the spotlight – it’s Privacy Awareness Week
The theme for privacy awareness week is “Don’t be in the dark on privacy”. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner is actively encouraging people to know and exercise their right to privacy; to take care when they provide their personal information; and to ask questions about how organisations are looking after that information. We […]
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Contract management – do you need to consult a specialist area?
Planning to buy a product or service? In many cases, purchasing decisions will require consideration of a variety of different issues which may not be apparent at the outset. For example, if you are buying a product from overseas, there may be import duties, customs and quarantine rules, or the product may not meet Australian […]
Preying on our minds – how predatory publishers ambush scholarly effort
The adage “publish or perish” resonates throughout the academy. Scholars and universities both rely on publication statistics to measure achievements and quantify contributions to knowledge. At the same time, technological innovation has changed the way academics are able to publish their work. The open access publication model, in which the author pays to publish their […]
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Service yourself on the Legal and Risk website
Legal and Risk standard templates and resources are now available in one location on the new Legal and Risk Self Service Portal. The resources have been developed to help you to confidently manage your obligations at the University. Whether you are managing risks, coordinating a contract, wondering how local or federal laws apply to you, […]
Connecting the dots – Should declared interests be registered under the Commonwealth’s Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme?
With the commencement of another Planning Development and Review cycle supervisors may receive declarations by staff of conflicts of interest, or become aware of someone seeking to exert undue influence over staff members’ activities. If not acknowledged and properly managed, conflicts of interest or undue influence can significantly detract from staff performance and undermine the […]
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Not all quiet on the quarantine front – recent penalties are loud and clear.
Researchers who deal with quarantine status materials should take note of the recent prosecution of a Brisbane transport company found to have breached their biosecurity obligations. Late last year, the Brisbane District Court found the company guilty of numerous offences for the way they dealt with quarantine status materials.
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Are you contracting for services? Some myths and regulatory truths about your contractor’s entitlements.
If you are engaging an individual or a sole trader to perform, present or complete some work for you, there are some common myths about contractual relationships you shouldn’t believe. Myth 1: I don’t have to make a superannuation payment on behalf of a contractor with an ABN (Australian Business Number).
Act on wrongdoing and be ICAC aware
Officers of the University have have a crucial role to play in promoting integrity within the University and calling out wrongdoing. All university personnel should be familiar with the University’s Reporting Suspected Wrongdoing webpage. You should also be aware that you have legal obligations under the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Act to report any reasonable […]