Lawyers Weekly Australia
The Queensland University of Technology (QUT) has collaborated with Lander & Rogers to offer a revitalised workplace law elective that has not been a part of their undergraduate curriculum for several years.
This elective commenced from semester one this year and is being delivered by QUT professor of law Amanda Kennedy and members from the Lander & Rogers Brisbane workplace relations and safety team, who were hands-on in designing this new subject.
The national law firm stated that “the elective introduces students to the core principles of Australia’s industrial relations, workplace relations, discrimination and safety laws, and how they apply in a business setting”.
Over 300 QUT students have enrolled in the elective to learn more about Australia’s ever-changing employment landscape.
Vince Rogers, Lander & Rogers workplace relations and safety partner, outlined that this subject is “designed to give students a modern, practical and strategic overview of the legal and regulatory issues concerning Australian workplaces today”.
Fellow Lander & Rogers partner Shannon Chapman also commented: “It’s an incredibly interesting time for students to be introduced to key concepts in workplace law.”
She underscored the establishment of this subject reflects the new obligations Australian employers have to abide by.
“In the last few years, Australia has implemented some of the most significant changes to its industrial relations laws in recent history. We’ve also seen massive shifts in how we address harassment and discrimination, including the introduction of a positive duty under the Sex Discrimination Act and a comprehensive review of anti-discrimination legislation in Queensland,” Chapman stated.
“Employers are also adjusting to new obligations in relation to modern slavery, whistleblowing, gender equality reporting and migration. These changes touch on many aspects of our daily lives, which make them a fascinating area of study.”
Kennedy emphasised that this collaboration with Lander & Rogers would provide their students with practical skills that align with their courses.
“Understanding the laws that govern workplaces is beneficial for students wanting to go into private practice, or take on in-house legal roles.
“We’re delighted to be collaborating with Lander & Rogers to share these timely insights with the next generation of lawyers,” Kennedy commented.
QUT has also partnered with the firm to offer legal innovation clinics to their law students.
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