Reading the small print

The High Court has ruled that consumers can be protected by consumer rights, even if they’ve apparently signed them away in agreeing to commercial terms and conditions.

Brave new workplace

Are the CEOs of the world right in predicting that workers will be back in the office full-time by 2026? Not according to UNSW Sydney researcher Iva Durakovic.

Supermarket sweep

Australia’s supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths both made over a billion dollars in profits last year, both chains have slashed checkout staff while jacking up prices, and both are installing ever more cameras to track customers in their stores. Why on earth don’t people like them?

Lies, damn lies and ESG announcements

Companies have always massaged, obfuscated or downright lied about their financial figures to boost their stock price and reassure investors, and so it should be no surprise they’re equally willing to claim outstanding ESG performance while doing little or nothing to change their ways.

Empowering older workers

Australia must embrace new ideas to empower older employees to find their groove and stay relevant in an ever-changing workplace and can learn from its Asian neighbours such as Malaysia and Singapore.

Corporate punishment

A series of corporate scandals involving PwC, Qantas, Rio Tinto and other large firms are souring Australians’ perceptions of the corporate sector.

Natural ingredients

A new handbook released by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, will help businesses, farmers, foresters, mining companies and non-governmental organisations report and account for their natural assets to help protect our environment.

Fixing unpaid work placements

Rather than be expected to work for free during work placements and internships, students should be reasonably compensated for the tasks they are doing.

Power to the people

Good business leaders give employees the freedom to get things done but also the information, resources and support they need to succeed.

Can we trust our food?

Combating the increasing rate of food fraud across all products sold in this country is a complex task that requires a mix national food regulation and improved methods of authenticity testing.

Teamwork doesn’t always make the dream work

The dynamics of teamwork – whether in the workplace or in the context of collective action – are complex and while collaboration offers benefits in specific contexts, coordination comes at a cost.

The murky world of ESG

Although financial industry groups claim that one-third of all investment assets are already sustainable, new research shows most ESG investing has no meaningful effect on sustainability.