Insights Sectors: Fitness & Sport

Oct 9, 2023

INSIGHT: Cyber Security Awareness Month – Are you cyber aware?

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month (CSAM). CSAM is an annual reminder for Australians to stay safe online and protect your online information and assets. The theme for CSAM 2023 is ‘be cyber aware – don’t compromise’. CSAM is an opportunity for businesses to review their understanding of ‘cyber security’ as a concept while continuing […]

Apr 12, 2023

INSIGHT: Are the Australian Privacy Reforms on your radar?

The Australian privacy landscape is changing. In December 2022, amendments came into force to amend the Privacy Act 1998 (Cth) (the Privacy Act) to increase the maximum penalties related to serious and repeated breaches of the Australian Privacy Principles (the APPs) and the Notifiable Data Breaches Scheme. As a result of these amendments, the maximum […]

Aug 26, 2022

INSIGHT: Online Reviews & Defamation

Meridian is increasingly receiving enquiries from both health practitioners and service providers seeking advice regarding negative reviews placed online by members of the public. Sometimes the reviews are thought to be unfair and unreasonable, and sometimes they cross over the line and are abusive and defamatory. With the ever increasing reliance on digital marketing and […]

Jun 8, 2021

INSIGHT: The collective bargaining class exemption for small businesses is now in effect

We published an article outlining the collective bargaining class exemption for small to medium businesses approved by the ACCC earlier this year. This exemption came into effect on 3 June 2021 and allows eligible small and medium businesses to engage in collective bargaining with their suppliers without being in breach of the Competition and Consumer […]

Feb 10, 2021

INSIGHT: How small businesses can utilise the ACCC’s new collective bargaining class exemption

Small and medium businesses will have the ability to collectively bargain with their suppliers once the first ever class exemption granted by the ACCC commences this month. Background and the ACCC’s class exemption power Since November 2017, the ACCC has had the power to make class exemptions for certain types of conduct which may otherwise […]

Feb 9, 2021

INSIGHT: Are all activities performed in a gym recreational? The court says no.

Powell v JFIT Holdings Pty Ltd t/as New Dimensions Health and Fitness Centre [2020] NSWDC 264 Background On 4 February 2016, a gym member twisted her back while clearing weights strewn about the floor of the gym to make space for her exercise regime. She sustained a serious spinal injury which has resulted in ongoing […]

May 25, 2020

INSIGHT: Appeal softens the blow for defendant following fall from ‘aerial sling’

Key takeaways Important case for personal fitness instructors and other fitness operators. Harm reduction measures are important, even where no prior accidents have occurred. A Plaintiff must show a reasonably practicable precaution that could have been taken to avoid the risk of injury. Fitness instructors need to give clear instructions and insist on the use […]

Oct 23, 2019

INSIGHT: Powerful new Sports Tribunal leads the way in bolstering integrity in Australian sport. Why is this important?

Key takeaways: New legislation governing arbitration/ADR of Australian sports disputes National Sports Tribunal introduced for resolution of sports disputes Two-year pilot Conditional opt out scheme Laws apply to acts committed or omitted within as well as outside of Australia Locally handled sporting Appeals have the potential to lower costs Significant civil penalties for breach Sports […]

May 14, 2018

INSIGHT: What to consider when you buy a Fitness Franchise

Franchise systems are prevalent in the Fitness Industry. Buying a franchise has a number of advantages, such as the association with an established and reputable brand or service, assistance with setting up elements of the franchise, initial management training and ongoing support via established policies and procedures, and access to existing business systems. These advantages […]

Nov 14, 2017

INSIGHT: How fit are you, legally?

Working as a Fitness Professional (FP) can be a rewarding career in helping others achieve their health and fitness goals, but the responsibilities also carry a number of substantial and potential legal and business risks, so it is always a good idea to check that you, and your business, are as well protected as you […]

Jun 16, 2016

INSIGHT: Insurance insights: The pitfalls of lending a helping hand

Lending a helping hand is an ideal ingrained into the Australian psyche. Doing that little bit extra is something we often do without thinking twice about it. However, in light of the recent decision of the New South Wales Court of Appeal in South Sydney Junior Rugby League Club Ltd v Gazis1 workers may now […]

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