First published on Thursday, August 21, 2025
Last updated on Thursday, August 21, 2025
Welcome to HR Heartbeat, where we look at the week’s most pressing HR and employment relations stories. With over 20 years’ experience in professional services, I give my opinion on current trends impacting your business, as well as my own personal commentary on all things HR and employment relations.
Qantas Fined $90M Over Unlawful Outsourcing
Qantas has been fined $90 million after the Federal Court ruled its 2020 outsourcing of 1,820 ground staff was illegal. Justice Michael Lee emphasized the need for deterrence, noting the decision was “carefully planned” to weaken union power. Half the fine will go to the Transport Workers Union, with the remainder pending. Qantas previously agreed to $120 million in compensation and has since issued public apologies. CEO Vanessa Hudson said the airline is working to rebuild trust. This case highlights the importance of compliant HR practices—BrightHR’s 24/7 employment relations advice and contract templates can help businesses avoid costly legal missteps. Explore BrightHR’s HR support tools.
NAB Admits to Underpaying Staff, Faces $130M Cost
National Australia Bank (NAB) has disclosed it underpaid staff and expects to spend $130 million in FY25 to address payroll errors. The bank is reviewing current and historical agreements and has engaged with the Fair Work Ombudsman. CEO Andrew Irvine called the situation “disappointing,” while NAB’s HR team is working to ensure future compliance. This incident underscores the need for accurate payroll and documentation—BrightHR’s document library and BrightBase platform offer reliable tools to manage employee records and agreements with confidence. Learn more about BrightBase.
WFH Now a Permanent Fixture in Aussie Work Culture
New research from Roy Morgan reveals that 46% of employed Australians—over 6.7 million people—work from home at least part-time. Despite some employers pushing for office returns, WFH has become a “permanent and distinct” part of the employment landscape. As remote work continues to evolve, businesses must adapt their HR strategies. BrightHR’s health & safety management tools and digital HR software help employers support hybrid teams while staying compliant.
And that’s a wrap from me. Tune in next time for my take on the latest headlines and employment relations stories, helping keep your business ahead!
