This marks the first time in many years that workplace law was included in an undergrad curriculum
Lander & Rogers has launched a workplace law elective at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) – marking the first time in many years that workplace law was taught at the undergraduate level.
The course will provide an overview of the core principles of industrial relations, workplace relations, discrimination, and safety laws in Australia, examining how these laws are implemented in business. Lawyers from the firm’s workplace relations and safety team in Brisbane will teach the elective alongside QUT Professor of Law Amanda Kennedy.
Lander & Rogers partner Shannon Chapman said that it was “an incredibly interesting time for students to be introduced to key concepts in workplace law”.
“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”, she explained. “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”.
Over 300 students have enrolled thus far for the elective, which will debut in the first semester of the year. Lander & Rogers partner Vince Rogers said that the course is “designed to give students a modern, practical and strategic overview of the legal and regulatory issues concerning Australian workplaces today”.
“The coursework covers pure employment work such as engagement and conditions of employment; industrial relations aspects, including enterprise bargaining and navigating industrial action; workplace safety, and employers' obligations in relation to discrimination and harassment”, he explained.
Kennedy added that this offering demonstrates QUT’s strategy of working together with the profession to provide students with practical skills in the field.
“Understanding the laws that govern workplaces is beneficial for students wanting to go into private practice, or take on in-house legal roles”, she said.
In addition, Lander & Rogers and the QUT School of Law have teamed up on other initiatives such as legal innovation clinics and 12-week legal tech programs geared towards students.
