Asia: Employment and HR

When an employee arranged rubber ducks in a pentagram formation as a workplace prank, her employer swiftly terminated her employment for alleged bullying and workplace safety concerns. The Fair Work Commission examined whether this hasty dismissal was justified, revealing critical lessons about balancing health and safety obligations with fair disciplinary procedures.

The Ministry of Manpower, Indonesia has introduced a new framework for outsourcing through the Regulation of the Minister of Manpower Number 7 of 2026 on Outsourcing Work, which came into force on 30 April 2026 (“Regulation 7/2026”).

The Australian Government has raised the National Minimum Wage and Minimum Award Wages effective July 1, 2026, with weekly rates increasing from $948.00 to $1,004.90 and hourly rates from $24.95 to $26.44. What compliance actions must employers take to avoid penalties for underpayment, and how do these changes affect different worker categories including trainees, apprentices, and entry-level employees?