5D AGO

Probation Doesn't Protect You

Probation doesn’t protect employers the way many think itdoes. In this episode of Legal On Demand, hosts and lawyersSonia Shurti and Eda Gül unpack one of the biggest misconceptions in employment law: the assumption that terminating employment during probation is legallylow-risk. They discuss: • Why probation is not a “safe zone” • The difference between unfair dismissal and general protections claims • Why employers still lose claims during probation • The risks around workplace complaints, leave, and protected conduct • The importance of documentation, process and decision-making For employers and HR leaders, the key takeaway is clear:probation may be an assessment period operationally, but it is not immunity from legal exposure. For more information, visit our website www.maguirelegal.com.au This podcast provides general information only and does notconstitute legal advice.

8 min

APR 28

Cost of Getting It Wrong: Lord v Toll Transport Pty Ltd

What can it really cost to get a termination wrong? In this first episode of our Cost of Getting It Wrong mini-series, hosts and lawyers Sonia Shurti and Eda Gül break down the Federal Circuit and Family Court decision in Lord v Toll Transport Pty Ltd [2026] FedCFamC2G 348. The case involved a senior executive with over 30 years of service, a general protections claim under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), and a termination that, on its face, appeared defensible. But despite successfully defending the claim, the employer was still ordered to pay over $176,000 plus interest. This episode unpacks: What actually happenedWhy the employer succeeded on one claim but still lost overallWhere the termination process broke downHow “reasonable notice” can override what employers assume is standard For employers, HR leaders and business owners, the key takeaway is clear: getting the reason right is only part of the equation. Process, contract terms and execution matter just as much. This series focuses on real cases and real consequences, because the cost of getting it wrong isn’t always where you expect it. www.maguirelegal.com.au

5 min

APR 14

Can My Workplace Record Me? Surveillance, Privacy and Legal Limits in Australia

Can your workplace record video and audio, even inside meeting rooms? In this episode of Legal On Demand, hosts and lawyers Sonia Shurti and Eda Gül unpack the legal boundaries of workplace surveillance, starting with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and moving into the stricter requirements in Victoria, under the Surveillance Devices Act 1999 (Vic). They explain what counts as a “private conversation”, why audio recording carries significantly higher legal risk than video, and how consent operates in practice, including for existing employees where surveillance is already in place. The discussion also covers always-on recording in meeting rooms, when recording may be lawful, what happens if an employee refuses to be recorded, and how employers should manage external clients and visitors. For employers, HR leaders and executives, the message is clear: surveillance is not just a technical decision. It is a legal and governance issue that must be managed carefully. For more information, visit our website www.maguirelegal.com.au This podcast provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

16 min

MAR 31

“Can I Post This?” Social Media Policies That Hold Up in Court

Social media is no longer separate from the workplace. What employees post online can create real legal, reputational and operational risk for employers. In this episode of Legal On Demand, hosts and lawyers, Sonia Shurti and Eda Gül unpack when employers can take action in response to employee social media activity, and what makes a policy enforceable under Australian law. They discuss key authorities and explain how the general protections framework under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) impacts decision-making. The episode focuses on the connection between out-of-hours conduct and employment, the importance of lawful reasoning, and how employers can draft and enforce social media policies that withstand scrutiny. For more information, visit our website ⁠www.maguirelegal.com.au⁠⁠ This podcast provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Case law mentioned in this episode: Rose v Telstra Corporation Ltd (1998) AIRC 1592 O’Keefe v Williams Muir’s Pty Ltd [2011] FWA 5311 Comcare v Banerji [2019] HCA 23 Little v Credit Group Limited [2013] FWC 9642 Lattouf v Australian Broadcasting Corporation (No 2) [2025] FCA 669 Board of Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE v Barclay [2012] HCA 32

9 min

MAR 17

Payday Super: What Employers Need to Do Before 1 July 2026

From 1 July 2026, the new Payday Super laws will require Australian employers to pay superannuation at the same time as wages. While the change sounds administrative, the impact for businesses goes much further. In this episode of Legal On Demand, hosts and lawyers Sonia Shurti and Eda Gül explain what the new requirements mean in practice and the three key risk areas employers need to prepare for: cash flow and working capital pressure, payroll and system readiness, and increased workforce visibility and compliance risk. They also discuss the Superannuation Guarantee Charge, ATO enforcement through real-time data, and the governance steps boards, executives and finance leaders should be taking now to manage the transition. Designed for SME owners, directors, finance leaders and HR professionals, this episode focuses on the operational, financial and legal implications of Payday Super — and how to prepare before the changes take effect. For more information, visit our website www.maguirelegal.com.au⁠ This podcast provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

19 min

MAR 3

Pre-Employment Checks: Managing Risk Before You Hire

Hiring quickly can create unexpected legal and commercial risk. In this episode of Legal On Demand, Principal lawyer of Maguire Legal, Paul Maguire and lawyer Eda Gül discuss the pre-employment checks every employer should complete before making an offer. They cover post-employment restraints, confidentiality risks, Federal Court enforcement trends, and the potential exposure under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) where confidential information is misused. The episode also explores when to ask the right questions, how requirements differ for senior hires, and the operational, reputational and financial risks of getting it wrong. Designed for business owners, executives and HR leaders, this episode focuses on practical steps to protect your organisation before day one. For more information, visit our website www.maguirelegal.com.au This podcast provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

11 min

FEB 18

3 Employment Law Issues in 2026 Every SME Must Know

The employment law landscape continues to evolve in 2026. For small and medium businesses, these issues directly impact payroll costs, workplace policies, day-to-day management decisions, and overall business risk. In this episode of Legal On Demand, hosts and lawyers Sonia Shurti and Eda Gül break down three key employment law issues that every SME owner should understand. And more importantly, what practical steps businesses should be taking now to stay compliant and avoid costly surprises. Designed specifically for SME owners, HR managers and business leaders, this episode provides practical guidance on where to focus your attention, including reviewing payroll structures, updating workplace policies, strengthening manager capability, and auditing casual workforce arrangements. For a detailed breakdown, view the blog post on our website at https://maguirelegal.com.au/2026-employment-law-issues This podcast provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

6 min

FEB 3

SCHADS Award Sleepovers Explained Breakdown

In this episode of Legal On Demand, hosts and lawyers Sonia Shurti and Eda Gül unpack why sleepover arrangements under the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Industry Award (SCHADS Award) have become one of the most complex and high-risk issues facing disability and community care employers. What was once intended to be a simple overnight care provision has evolved into a highly contested legal issue, driven by unclear Award drafting, differing employer practices, and increased regulatory scrutiny. For more information visit our website www.maguirelegal.com.au This podcast provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

7 min

Legal On Demand

Episodes

Probation Doesn't Protect You

Cost of Getting It Wrong: Lord v Toll Transport Pty Ltd

Can My Workplace Record Me? Surveillance, Privacy and Legal Limits in Australia

“Can I Post This?” Social Media Policies That Hold Up in Court

Payday Super: What Employers Need to Do Before 1 July 2026

Pre-Employment Checks: Managing Risk Before You Hire

3 Employment Law Issues in 2026 Every SME Must Know

SCHADS Award Sleepovers Explained Breakdown

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