We provide clients with practical guidance to help them manage the constantly expanding network of workplace laws. We can offer a range of solutions to employment issues, ensuring compliance while promoting positive workplace relations. Our goal is to help clients build robust, legally sound employment practices that support their business objectives.
Overview
Employment law in Australia is a highly dynamic area of law, constantly evolving to reflect changing societal norms and workplace practices. It encompasses a wide range of issues, from hiring and termination processes to workplace conditions, wages, and employee rights. The primary legislation governing employment relationships is the Fair Work Act 2009, but this operates alongside numerous state and territory laws, industry-specific regulations and common law principles.
Compliance with these laws is crucial for businesses of all sizes. Non-compliance can lead to significant penalties, reputational damage and operational disruptions. The complexity of employment law means that even well-intentioned employers can inadvertently fall foul of the law. This is particularly true in areas such as modern awards interpretation, enterprise agreement negotiation and managing flexible working arrangements.
Recent years have seen increased regulatory scrutiny and higher penalties for breaches. The rapid pace of change in the modern workplace, accelerated by technological advancements and shifting work patterns, continually presents new legal challenges for employers to navigate. A competent legal team is essential.
Our approach
We take a proactive and holistic approach to employment advisory and compliance. Our team stays ahead of legal developments, allowing us to provide up-to-date, relevant advice tailored to each client’s specific needs.
Our services span the full spectrum of employment law issues. We assist clients in drafting and reviewing employment contracts, employee handbooks, and workplace policies on issues such as discrimination, harassment, and social media use.
We provide strategic advice on complex matters such as enterprise agreement negotiation, performance management, and restructuring processes. We also offer guidance on emerging areas of employment law such as gig economy arrangements and the integration of AI in human resources processes.
Prevention is a key focus of our approach. We provide regular advice to clients to help identify and address potential issues before they escalate into disputes or regulatory actions. When challenges do arise, we provide swift, pragmatic advice to manage the situation effectively, always with an eye on minimising legal risk and protecting our client’s interests.
Representative experience
- Conducted a comprehensive review of a national retail chain’s employment contracts and policies, identifying and rectifying compliance gaps to align with current legislation.
- Assisted a technology start-up in developing its first enterprise agreement, successfully balancing innovative workplace practices with legal compliance.
- Guided a manufacturing client through a complex restructuring process, ensuring adherence to consultation requirements and minimising legal risks.
- Defended a hospitality group against underpayment claims, resolving the matter through strategic negotiation and avoiding costly litigation.
- Advised a professional services firm on implementing a new performance management system, incorporating best practices in employment law.
- Conducted workplace training for a government agency on preventing discrimination and harassment, significantly reducing incident reports.