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The recent Fair Work Commission decision of Rabin Gurung v Knauf Gypsum Pty Ltd [2026] FWC 2371, provides useful guidance for employers responding to work from home requests involving caring responsibilities for young children. In this decision, Commissioner Matheson accepted that the employer had reasonable business grounds to refuse a payroll officer’s request for an exemption to return to office requirements, where the request involved primary care of his two young children.

The Federal Court’s decision in Clarke v Beiler Constructions Pty Ltd [2026] FCA 734 was handed down on 12 June 2026. The decision marks a significant development in Australian employment law, being the first Federal Court judgment after a contested hearing to consider the workplace sexual harassment provisions introduced into the Fair Work Act in 2023. The decision provides important guidance on how these laws will operate in practice and the increasing level of risk faced by employers.

From 1 July 2026, changes to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing Act (2006) (Cth) (AML Act) place certain obligations on Australian lawyers when providing legal services in respect of potential money laundering, terrorism financing and proliferation financing (funding weapons of mass destruction) activities.

Thynne + Macartney is pleased to announce the appointment of Darren Taylor, Special Counsel and David Pawley, Associate to our Employment + Safety group. Darren and David’s collective experience spans the full spectrum of end-to-end employment law, disputes and complaints, workplace safety and industrial relations issues.

Thynne + Macartney has been recognised in 21 practice areas in the 2027 Best Law Firms Australia regional rankings. Under the leadership of partner Fraser Bax, our expanding Family Law group achieved new listings for the firm in Family Law and Family Law Mediation for the first time since the directory was launched in Australia.

Thynne + Macartney has been recognised in 21 practice areas in the 2027 Best Law Firms Australia regional rankings. Under the leadership of partner Fraser Bax, our expanding Family Law group achieved new listings for the firm in Family Law and Family Law Mediation for the first time since the directory was launched in Australia.

Thynne + Macartney’s Agriculture group has again been peer-recognised as a leading First-Tier Queensland Agribusiness law firm in the 2026 edition of Doyle’s Guide. This year’s inclusion marks the group’s 11th consecutive year ranking in the highest tier within this category since the Guide first began recognising Agribusiness. In the individual rankings, Agriculture partners Ari McCamley and Alex Ramsey retained Preeminent status as leading Queensland Agribusiness Lawyers.

Thynne + Macartney's Maritime + Transport, Retail Leasing and Planning + Environment groups have been recognised by their peers as leading lawyers in Doyles Guide Our Maritime + Transport group led by Michael Fisher and Matthew Hockaday, is recognised for its capability as an Admiralty, Shipping & Maritime (Australia) firm. Michael Fisher is listed as a Recommended Admiralty, Shipping & Maritime (Australia) lawyer.

Congratulations to Maritime + Transport partners Michael Fisher and Matthew Hockaday for their recognition as “Lawyers of the Year” in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia. Seventeen Thynne + Macartney lawyers have been recognised amongst the best in the country across 20 areas of law in The Best Lawyers in Australia and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Australia. Matthew was named Best Lawyers 2027 Shipping & Maritime Law “Lawyer of the Year” in Brisbane.

Our offices will be closed from 3pm on Tuesday, 23 December 2024 and will reopen at 8:30am on Monday, 5 January 2025. Thynne + Macartney partners and staff wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season and a prosperous 2026. News & Insights Westpac had no grounds to refuse WFH request Redundancy redeployment considerations extend to roles held by contractors But wait, he resigned! Award-covered employees? Salaries aren’t always the simple option