August 2024 - Synergy Law Newsletter

Synergy Law is excited to announce that we are finalists in the Australasian Law Awards 2024 for not just one, but two categories! We have been nominated as the Government Team of the Year and New Law Firm of the Year. Being recognised in such a competitive field is a testament to the team’s dedication, expertise and commitment to excellence in providing legal services. The team will be attending the Awards Gala Dinner in Sydney on 30 August – Until then, we will be sitting on the edge of our seats as we wait for the winners to be announced!

In this edition of the newsletter, Synergy Law is proud to share “Synsights” on two key topics – firstly, “Behind the Adult Migrant English Program” by Jessica Liao , secondly “Demystifying the Right to Disconnect” by Chloe Hosking OLY . These articles touch on issues in employment and contract law – which are just a few of the various fields in which Synergy Law has expertise. Our diverse offerings and experience in a wide range of areas allow us to provide extensive legal support services for our clients. Summaries and links to these articles are directly below.

Synsights

“Behind the Adult Migrant English Program” Jessica Liao

To many, the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) means very little. For some it’s just an acronym. Lawyer Jessica Liao shares about the importance of the AMEP, explores the ANAO’s recent review of the AMEP contracts and seeks to answer the question – Why is effective contract management such a vital capability for public sector agencies?

Read more at this link.

“Demystifying the Right to Disconnect” Chloe Hosking OLY

Starting this month, employees will now have a new ‘right to disconnect’ outside of work hours. Lawyer Chloe Hosking unpacks what this planned addition to the Fair Work Act will look like and might mean, for employers and employees alike.  

Read more at this link.

Synergy Group News

Synergy Law believes in giving back to our community – it’s a core value that all Synergites embrace. Members of the Synergy Law team will be cycling 360kms, alongside other Canberran cyclists, during Donate Life Week – 28 July to 4 August 2024. The goal of Donate Life Week is to raise awareness for organ and tissue donation in the Canberra region. Synergy Law’s own – Bobbi Campbell , Chloe Hosking OLY and Mark Vardy will all be representing Synergy Law and we strongly encourage fellow riders to register as organ donors. Not only is it a simple, one-minute process to register, but it’s also a decision that can save up to seven lives. To learn more about the cause and the team’s Donate Life Cycling Club, follow the link here. 

Stay Up to Date

Here’s a brief update on key developments within Parliament and the Commonwealth Government sector –

• Tabling of Australian National Aduit Office’s (ANAO) Performance Audits – The ANAO is set to table Performance Audits in the upcoming month of September 2024, including the ‘Management of conflicts of interest by the Australian Financial Security Authority’ (AFSA). The purpose of this audit is to examine whether the AFSA has developed appropriate arrangements to manage conflicts of interests. Probity management and ensuring conflict of interests are fit for purpose is a critical element of Commonwealth projects, as it ensures integrity throughout the entire process and demonstrates transparency. In line with the recent revisions to the Commonwealth Fraud and Corruption Control policy that commenced on 1 July 2024, the ANAO will also be assessing the effectiveness of the ‘Fraud Control Arrangements in the Australian Skills Quality Authority’ (ASQA). The ASQA falls under the Employment and Workplace Relations portfolio and is the national regulator of the vocational education and training sector. This audit will examine the ASQA’s arrangements to manage fraud risks, prevent fraud and promote a culture of integrity. These ANAO reports highlight the Government’s focus towards ensuring effective and proactive probity and fraud management every step of the way.
• Inquiry into Commonwealth Entities’ Contract Management Frameworks - The Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit (JCPAA) has commenced an inquiry into Commonwealth entities’ contract management frameworks on 4 July 2024. This has come out of recent major inquiries into Commonwealth Procurement and Probity and Ethics - Recent ANAO audits into contract issues have shown there are similar threads of issues in procurement and how agencies manage contracts once they are executed. The JCPAA will examine whether the frameworks supporting the contract management are fit for purpose to ensure project and program delivery. Track the JCPAA’s parliamentary enquiry here.
• Disability Employment Services Program – The Federal Government’s $1.2 billion flagship Disability Employment Services (DES) Program is set for reform. As part of the 2024-25 Budget, the Government has announced significant policy changes for the DES, including an additional $5.4 billion over the next five years and promises to put people and quality first. The Government’s aims for the new DES program are ambitious and reflects the ongoing employment reform agenda. The Government has emphasised its commitment to ensuring that no Australian with disability is left behind and they have equal opportunities to gain employment. The new DES Program forms part of the Government’s vision for a stronger and more inclusive Australia for people with disability. Read more of the Media Release from the Department of Social Services on what the Federal Budget delivers for people with disability here.

It’s Personal

The Synergy Law team has just celebrated the end of the financial year, with the theme being ‘Christmas in July.’ The team’s competitive sides were brought out in the Stealing Secret Santa games – it was a fantastic time gathering as a service line and sharing food and laughter together!