The Inside Employment, IR and Safety podcast series

Episode 30: Psychosocial health in times of workplace change

Recorded 28 November 2025

Workplace change is accelerating—and so are psychosocial risks. In this episode of Inside IR, Natalie Gaspar and Nerida Jessup explore how rapid organisational change is reshaping industrial relations, safety obligations and regulatory expectations, and what employers can do to better manage psychosocial risk.

Note: Since filming, the NSW Parliament passed the Work Health and Safety Amendment (Digital Work Systems) Bill 2026. The Digital Work Systems Bill introduces new duties on persons conducting a business or undertaking to the WHS Act concerning the use of ‘digital work systems’ and provides for expanded rights for WHS permit holders accessing a workplace.

Episode 29: Gender-based undervaluation and its impact on modern award rates of pay

Recorded 2 July 2025

Join industrial relations partners Nick Ogilvie and Rohan Doyle on our latest episode of Inside IR where they unpack the latest developments in the Fair Work Commission’s assessment of gender undervaluation of wages, and explore the impact this is having on minimum award rates of pay. 

Over the last few years, the Commission has embarked on a comprehensive process to ensure that minimum rates of pay in modern awards reflect employees’ work value and ensure equal remuneration for equivalent work performed by men and women. These cases are already delivering substantial increases in modern award rates of pay and arise in the context of the Commission’s new obligation to consider gender-based undervaluation when varying award rates following the introduction of the Secure Jobs, Better Pay reforms. 

On this episode, Nick and Rohan explore the current cases before the Fair Work Commission and some of the key early decisions, and discuss which industries and occupations are likely to be considered next.  

Update: Since filming, the Fair Work Commission has also issued a Statement confirming that the Commission will now determine whether minimum award rates of pay should be increased for professional degree-qualified employees covered by a provisional list of 22 modern awards. The list of awards is contained at Attachment A of the Statement. Interested parties have the opportunity to comment on the provisional list by 22 August 2025. Please get in touch with a member of our team if you would like to understand this process in further detail or are considering making a submission.
 

Episode 28: Unlocking Productivity – The Role of Industrial Relations

Recorded 24 June 2025

In this episode of Inside IR, Rohan Doyle is joined by partners Anthony Wood and Wendy Fauvel to look ahead to the Federal Government's upcoming August 2025 Productivity Summit. Rohan, Tony and Wendy share what is known about the plans for the summit, and explore the all important question of what role industrial relations will play in improving the rate of productivity growth in Australia.

Episode 27: Managing picket lines at the workplace – The crossover between IR and safety

Recorded 22 May 2025

Tune into our 27th episode of Inside IR, in which IR experts Rohan Doyle (Partner) and Emma Vautin (Senior Associate) are joined by Steve Bell, Managing Partner and Safety lead, to discuss “Managing picket lines at the workplace – the crossover between IR and safety”. In this episode, the team share their extensive experience in working alongside clients in managing pickets outside their workplaces and reflect on what they see as an increasing frequency of workplace pickets. Steve, Emma and Rohan reflect on the harm that obstructive pickets can cause, the psychosocial health and safety risks that they sometimes present, and share tips on how employers and principals can promote safe access to and egress from their worksites during these events.

Episode 26: Election Special

Recorded 31 March 2025

This election special of Inside IR looks at the upcoming 2025 Australian Federal Election through an industrial relations and employment lens. Given the vast amount of reform over the last 3 years, what does the next term of federal politics look like?

Our team explores how the major parties are approaching their election campaigns, as well as the key roles that the independents are once again expected to play.

Drew Pearson (Partner) and Natalie Gaspar (Partner) first set the scene with a brief history on IR reform over the last couple of decades and how we arrived where we are today, and discuss the potentially crucial role of the independents in the next Parliament. Wendy Fauvel (Partner) and Rommo Pandit (Executive Counsel) then touch on the ALP’s agenda, and the ACTU’s proposals that we may see the ALP adopt, including in relation to bargaining, superannuation, consultation and AI, and whistleblowing.

Episode 25: Clear and unambiguous enterprise agreements – A pipe dream, or a necessity?

Recorded 4 March 2025

Given the recent commencement of criminal wage thefts laws, increase in the maximum civil penalties that can be awarded for wage non-compliance, and focus of the Fair Work Ombudsman on prosecuting wage non-compliance, it is more important than ever to get wage compliance right. But there is a feature of our industrial relations system that can sometimes make achieving compliance a rather difficult exercise…. We are of course talking about long, complex and ambiguous enterprise agreements.

Many employers are saddled with enterprise agreements that are, at best, confusing, and at worst, internally inconsistent. They are a product of decades of enterprise bargaining – where words that were crafted 30 or so years ago have either been left as they were and considered too difficult to modernise, or been added to over time resulting in an unwieldly hodgepodge of obligations, entitlements, exceptions, and conditions. The cost and risk to business of managing compliance with these types of instruments is significant yet attempts to modernise terms during enterprise bargaining processes are often met with resistance.

In our latest episode of our market-leading industrial relations podcast Inside IR, Partner Rohan Doyle and Senior Associate Mitchell Brennan grapple with this problem and explore potential solutions. Rohan and Mitchell:

• provide a refresher on the potential consequences of long, complex, and ambiguous enterprise agreements, including in light of recent IR reform;
• reflect on the reasons as to why some enterprise agreements have become a source of a significant non-compliance risk, and compliance cost, for some employers; and
• explore various paths that employers can take – both inside and outside of bargaining – to achieve clearer terms and conditions that are easier and more cost effective to comply with.

Episode 24: End of Year IR Wrap

Recorded 5 December 2024

In this not-to-be-missed final episode of InsideIR for 2024, your favourite IR team has done all the hard work for you, and pulled together a succinct summary of:

• the top 5 issues that shaped industrial relations in 2024, and
• our predictions on the top 5 IR issues that you will need to get ahead of for 2025.

In this bumper end-of-year edition, Rohan Doyle is accompanied by no less than 9 of his HSF IR colleagues from across the country.

Rohan Doyle (Partner), Victoria Fijalski (Senior Associate), Mathew Reiman (Senior Associate), Rachel Dawson (Partner) and Anna Creegan (Partner) review and reflect on 2024.

Meanwhile, Wendy Fauvel (Partner), Kara Reynolds (Executive Counsel), Drew Pearson (Partner), Jessica Light (Senior Associate) and Sophie Beaman (Executive Counsel) look into their crystal ball, and outline the five IR issues to keep an eye on in 2025.

Episode 23: AI in the workplace - bargaining and more

Recorded 13 November 2024

In this episode of Inside IR, Natalie Gaspar and Adam Ray discuss the impact of generative AI on industrial relations and bargaining. They explore how AI technologies, particularly generative AI, are transforming workplaces by performing tasks that typically require human input, such as content creation and decision-making. The episode delves into the responses from Australian unions, including the ACTU's formal policy on AI, which emphasises the need for genuine consultation, transparency, and clearly defined responsibilities and liability. They also discuss the potential for AI to enhance job efficiency and the importance of training employees to use these technologies effectively. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of industrial relations in the face of rapid technological advancements, the implications for job security and workplace management, and how AI-related claims might be approached in bargaining.

Episode 22: The right to disconnect

Recorded 23 August 2024

In this episode of Inside IR, Steve Bell and Natalie Gaspar explore the new "right to disconnect" in Australia, which allows employees to refuse to monitor or respond to work-related communications outside of their ordinary hours, unless it is unreasonable to do so. Steve and Nat explore the implications of these new laws, including the role of the Fair Work Commission, how the laws intersect with broader obligations to manage psychosocial risk, the increasing awareness among workers of their rights to reasonable working hours, and the role of employers in managing these expectations.
 

Episode 5: DEI update: global trends, modern awards and pay gap reporting

Recorded 24 June 2025

In this episode of Inside Employment, hosts Drew Pearson, Lucy Boyd, and Stephanie Blancquart unpack the evolving landscape of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. They explore the growing regulatory momentum in Australia – particularly the upcoming Gender Undervaluation awards review at the Fair Work Commission – and what it means for employers navigating modern award obligations and pay gap reporting.

The discussion also touches on the global shift away from traditional DEI initiatives, contrasting it with Australia’s intensifying focus on systemic reform. With key decisions expected to roll out from November into the new year, this episode offers insights for employers preparing for change.

Episode 4: Investigations, Part 2 - Practical insights from a workplace investigator

Recorded 18 June 2025

In part 2 of our investigations series, Tony Wood and Lucy Boyd sit down with Lisa Bradley, Principal of Papillon Consulting Group, to explore the realities of workplace investigations. Lisa shares her insights on emerging trends, including the rise of anonymous complaints, and breaks down the nuances between cultural reviews and investigations into specific allegations.

Lisa offers a candid look at the challenges investigators face, including how they assess credibility, manage confidentiality, manage timelines and efficiency, and avoid common pitfalls. 

Whether you're navigating an investigation or simply curious about what goes on behind closed doors, this episode is packed with practical advice on the investigative process.

Episode 3: Investigations, Part 1 – What’s the fuss with whistleblowing investigations?

Recorded 18 June 2025

In part one of our investigations double episode, we unpack the technical and legal dimensions of workplace investigations, with a spotlight on whistleblowing.

Together, Tony Wood and Lucy Boyd explore how clients can navigate the complexities of internal complaints, regulatory obligations and reputational risks. They spend time discussing the overall trend towards greater transparency, for example through positive duty obligations and shareholder activism, and how this is reshaping how organisations respond to complaints and how they conduct investigations. 

Listeners will gain insights into:

• The importance of respecting whistleblower confidentiality and engaging with disclosures constructively.
• How to structure investigations to ensure procedural fairness and legal compliance.
• Common pitfalls in managing investigations and how to avoid them.
• The evolving landscape of workplace activism, including the influence of movements like #MeToo and Black Lives Matter, and how the growing emphasis on psychosocial safety has empowered employees to speak up about misconduct.

Whether you're an HR professional, in-house counsel, or business leader, this episode offers practical guidance and strategic insights to help you stay ahead in a rapidly changing compliance environment.

Stay tuned for part 2 (available next week) where we speak with Lisa Bradley, a veteran workplace investigator, about her insights on how to conduct an effective investigation, including some of her key tips and traps and how to make factual findings when confronted by conflicting witness evidence.

Episode 2: Policy Parallels – Industrial Relations and Immigration

In our second episode of Inside Employment, we explore the evolving intersection between industrial relations and immigration law. As regulatory frameworks continue to shift, we’re seeing increasing crossover in the concepts and compliance expectations that govern both domains.

Joining host Drew Pearson, Partner at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, and Executive Counsel Sophie Beaman, is special guest Charles Johanes from Fragomen. Together, they unpack the parallels between recent developments in IR legislation and the emerging trends in immigration compliance. From the growing role of regulators to the shared challenges faced by employers navigating these complex landscapes, this conversation offers valuable insights for legal professionals, HR leaders, and policy watchers alike.

Episode 1: The year ahead

Recorded 17 February 2025

On the inaugural episode of the Inside Employment podcast series, hosts Anthony Wood, Partner, and Lucy Boyd, Executive Counsel, welcomed Katie Bull, Senior Associate, for a discussion on their top 5 predictions for major issues and developments which are likely to affect Australian employers in 2025, including:

1. The continued prominence of underpayment and compliance issues;
2. A focus on workplace psychosocial health, including a rise in investigations and prosecutions;
3. Diversity and Inclusion (or, “DEI”) backlash in Australia;
4. Increased workplace investigations, whistleblower activity and individual claims; and
5. The impact of Labor’s first term “Secure Jobs, Better Pay” and “Closing Loopholes” reforms, and the imminent Federal Election and potential further reform.

Episode 5 - The cost of reputation

In this episode of Inside Safety, Steve Bell is joined by Shane Allison, CEO of Phronesis, to explore the real cost of reputational damage for organisations. Drawing on original research into ASX 200 reputation incidents, they unpack what defines a reputational crisis, why many are foreseeable, and which issues cause the greatest and most lasting harm. From executive misconduct and employee class actions to governance and psychosocial risk, this episode offers practical insights for safety, legal and risk professionals looking to better anticipate and manage reputation risk.

Episode 4, Part 2 - Director's Duties

Recorded 24 June 2025

In this episode, Steve Bell, Aaron Anderson and Olga Klimczak explore the evolving responsibilities of directors in managing workplace safety. The discussion covers critical hazards and controls, the impact of Queensland legislation, and the three pillars of managing critical risks effectively – diligence, governance, and reporting and transparency. Our hosts unpack how directors can maintain visibility over governance structures while meeting growing expectations for accountability.

We also examine the role of regulators in workplace investigations and the challenges posed by the sheer volume and pace of regulatory change. Tune in to gain practical insights on strengthening governance frameworks and staying ahead in a rapidly shifting compliance landscape.

Episode 3, Part 1 - Director's Duties

Recorded 24 June 2025

In part one of our Inside Safety podcast series exploring directors’ duties, Steve Bell, Aaron Anderson and Olga Klimczak delve into the evolving case law on responsibilities of officers under the Model Work Health and Safety laws and internationally.

Through recent case law updates, the episode unpacks the key legal principles and explores the practical implications for directors. We analyse how directors can assess whether they’ve met their duty - by understanding the risks that occur within their business operations, applying appropriate resources, and verifying the effectiveness of controls. The discussion then offers practical insights into what reasonable steps look like, including the extent to which directors can reasonably rely on others within the business, and the importance of maintaining documentation as evidence of challenge and oversight.

With regulators increasingly focused on senior leadership, this episode is a timely call to action for boards to move beyond paper obligations and engage meaningfully with safety governance.

Episode 2: Spotlight on silica – Recent developments and trends

Recorded 23 May 2025

In this episode of Inside Safety, presenters Nerida Jessup and Olga Klimczak examine the evolving legal and regulatory landscape surrounding silica exposure and the associated risk of silicosis. The episode offers timely insights into compliance, risk management, and health outcomes – particularly in high-risk sectors like manufacturing and mining.

The discussion also draws on historical parallels, such as asbestos, to explore what the future may hold for silica regulation. With the establishment of a dedicated regulatory silica taskforce, the presenters highlight emerging guidance and enforcement trends that are shaping workplace safety. Whether you're advising on policy, managing operations, or working on the ground, this episode provides essential context for navigating silica-related risks in today’s industrial environments.

Note: this episode was recorded before the recent amendments enabling NSW courts to extend the limitation period if it is in 'the interests of justice.'

Episode 1: Psychosocial health and safety

Recorded 15 May 2025

In the first episode of the podcast, hosted by Steve Bell and Nerida Jessup, we focus on a contemporary issue for Australian workplaces - psychosocial health and safety. Traditionally centred on physical risks, there has been a significant shift over the past five years towards managing non-physical risks such as bullying and sexual harassment. This now includes considerations on how work is performed, allocated, and designed to help employees thrive. 

This episode highlights the increased regulation and enforcement in this area more recently, emphasising the need for developing risk registers to identify psychosocial risks and implementing consistent controls. It also notes the growing expectation for HR and people and culture teams to adopt the language of work health and safety and risk management, offering practical tips on how to effectively manage these changes.