Harvey Norman ‘deterrent’ clause not enforceable, lawyers say

Harvey Norman said indemnity clauses are common in contractor relationships. (Graphic: NZME)

Fri, 09 May 2025

It is doubtful that an indemnity clause in Harvey Norman consultancy contracts is enforceable, say several employment lawyers, including a King’s Counsel.Harvey Norman sets up businesses for high-performing sales staff to manage departments within its stores as "proprietors".A clause in the contracts that proprietors sign explicitly seeks to make the signatory indemnify Harvey Norman for all court costs and damages if a legal challenge were to deem the individual an employee rather than a contractor.Harvey Norman has declined to...

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