Best Employment & Labor Lawyers in Australia

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Founded in 1970
50 people in their team
English
About usTremayne Fay Rheinberger Lawyers is a Hobart-based law firm servicing private and corporate clients across Tasmania and interstate. The current directors are Bridget Rheinberger, Zac Nicholson and Renee Spencer. The firm has traded under various names reflecting the partners at the time,...
Nevett Ford Lawyers Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia

English
Nevett Ford Lawyers Melbourne, with a legacy spanning over 150 years, stands as one of Victoria's longest-operating law firms. The firm offers a comprehensive suite of legal services, including corporate and business law, litigation and dispute resolution, family law, mediation, property and...
Wallace Wilkinson & Webster
Hobart, Australia

Founded in 1976
16 people in their team
English
Our Firm Wallace Wilkinson & Webster is a leading Hobart-based legal practice providing specialist services in all areas of the law.From individuals and small business to some of Australiaโ€™s largest public companies, our clients include families, local businesses, banks and credit...
Murdoch Clarke
Hobart, Australia

Founded in 1894
50 people in their team
English
About usMurdoch Clarke was established by George Murdoch on 22 November 1894 and has been in its current premises at 10 Victoria Street, Hobart since 1967. Murdoch Clarke is one of Tasmaniaโ€™s oldest and largest legal firms and has been providing a proactive and full range of legal services of the...
Stacks Collins Thompson
Hornsby, Australia

Founded in 1931
500 people in their team
English
About usStacks Law Firm is a dynamic group of law firms which together offer a wide range of legal services throughout NSW, QLD and ACT. Each firm is an independent, incorporated legal practice but by working together the group can offer a higher level of service across a wider geographical area....
Bennett & Philp
Brisbane, Australia

Founded in 1984
70 people in their team
English
Who we areBennett & Philp are lawyers who understand the real world. We offer practical legal solutions across every stage of life and business and with multi-disciplinary experts across five practice areas - Business Advisory, Intellectual Property, Disputes...
TANG LAW
Perth, Australia

Founded in 2002
25 people in their team
English
Chinese
Vietnamese
Dutch
French
Arabic
German
Russian
Spanish
Our Philosophy Our team of lawyers are all professionally qualified and admitted to practice in Western Australia. Whilst our services are wide-ranging, we specialize particularly in the areas of Civil Litigation, Wills and Estates, Family Law, Commercial Law, Migration Law and Property and...
Herbert Geer & Rundl
Melbourne, Australia

Founded in 1939
500 people in their team
English
About usHerbert Geer is a commercial law firm with offices in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Our dedicated team of people provide services to a wide range of corporate, private and government clients. Our success in building a respected and trusted law firm is driven by the commitment to our...
Gilshenan & Luton
Brisbane, Australia

Founded in 1924
25 people in their team
English
We are a leading Queensland criminal law and professional misconduct law firm. Led by directors Glen Cranny, Craig Pratt and Callan Lloyd, all accredited specialists in criminal law, Gilshenan & Luton is renowned as a law firm which delivers high-quality service and results to its...
Karlos Lawyers

Karlos Lawyers

1 hour Free Consultation
Melbourne, Australia

Founded in 2022
2 people in their team
Arabic
Croatian
English
Founded by Marin Karlos in 2022 and built upon the belief that when things go wrong, or when a person requires legal assistance, they deserve excellence; they deserve realistic, straight-forward, tailored legal advice and strategies executed in a timely, efficient, and effective manner. The...
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Australia Employment & Labor Legal Articles

Browse our 1 legal article about Employment & Labor in Australia written by expert lawyers.

Fired Without Warning in Australia: Unfair Dismissal Guide
Employment & Labor
Most Australian workplaces are covered by the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), National Employment Standards (NES) and a modern award or enterprise agreement that set minimum pay and conditions. Strict deadlines apply: unfair dismissal and most general protections dismissal claims must be lodged with the Fair Work Commission within 21... Read more โ†’

About Employment & Labor Law in Australia

Employment and labor law in Australia governs the relationship between employers and employees, covering aspects such as employment contracts, wages, working conditions, dismissals, discrimination, and workplace safety. It aims to protect the rights of employees while balancing business needs. The Fair Work Act 2009 is the cornerstone of these laws, providing a national workplace relations system that sets minimum employment standards. Additionally, various state and territory laws complement the federal framework, providing further protections and regulations.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

There are several scenarios where individuals or businesses may require legal assistance concerning employment and labor issues:

  • Unfair Dismissal: If you believe you have been unfairly dismissed, a lawyer can help you understand your rights and the potential for filing a claim.
  • Discrimination or Harassment: Legal counsel may be necessary if you've experienced workplace discrimination or harassment to ensure your rights are protected and that you receive appropriate remedies.
  • Contractual Disputes: When disputes arise concerning the interpretation or enforcement of employment contracts, lawyers can provide guidance and representation.
  • Workplace Safety: If your workplace does not comply with safety regulations, or if you were injured at work, legal advice can help you address these issues.
  • Redundancy and Restructuring: During organizational changes, understanding your rights and entitlements is crucial. A lawyer can assist in interpreting the terms of redundancy.

Local Laws Overview

Employment and labor law in Australia is primarily governed by the Fair Work Act 2009, which provides protections such as the National Employment Standards (NES). These standards include provisions for maximum weekly hours, parental leave, annual leave, and notice of termination. The Fair Work Commission is responsible for regulating workplace relations, including dispute resolution, minimum wages, and enterprise bargaining.

Anti-discrimination laws, like the Sex Discrimination Act 1984, ensure equal treatment in the workplace regardless of factors like gender, age, or disability. Work health and safety is regulated under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, which outlines employer responsibilities to maintain safe working conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Fair Work Act?

The Fair Work Act 2009 is the main legislation governing employment in Australia. It sets out the framework for workplace relations, including employee rights and employer responsibilities.

What are the National Employment Standards (NES)?

NES are 11 minimum employment entitlements that have to be provided to all employees in Australia, such as maximum weekly hours, flexible working arrangements, and leave entitlements.

Can I be dismissed without a reason?

No, under the Fair Work Act, employees cannot be terminated without a valid reason. Unfair dismissal claims can be lodged if termination is unjust, unreasonable, or harsh.

Do casual employees have rights?

Yes, casual employees are entitled to certain rights, including a higher pay rate (casual loading) to compensate for the lack of certain benefits like sick and annual leave.

What constitutes workplace discrimination?

Workplace discrimination occurs when an employee is treated unfairly due to personal characteristics like race, gender, age, or disability. It is prohibited under various anti-discrimination laws.

How can disputes be resolved?

Many disputes can be resolved through mediation or conciliation provided by the Fair Work Commission. Legal advice can guide the process and escalate matters if necessary.

What is enterprise bargaining?

Enterprise bargaining involves negotiating collective agreements at the enterprise level between employers and employees (or their representatives) to establish fair work conditions.

Do I have a right to flexible working conditions?

Yes, under the NES, certain employees have the right to request flexible working arrangements under specific circumstances, such as having school-aged children.

What should I do if I'm injured at work?

Report the injury to your employer and seek medical attention. You may be entitled to workers' compensation for injuries sustained at work. Legal advice can help navigate claims.

What is the role of the Fair Work Commission?

The Fair Work Commission is Australia's national workplace relations tribunal, handling issues like disputes, setting minimum wages, and approving enterprise agreements.

Additional Resources

  • Fair Work Ombudsman: Offers information and advice about workplace rights and obligations.
  • Safe Work Australia: Provides guidance on workplace health and safety standards.
  • Australian Human Rights Commission: Addresses issues of discrimination and human rights in the workplace.
  • Fair Work Commission: Manages industrial relations disputes and bargaining matters.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance in employment and labor matters, consider the following steps:

  • Assess Your Situation: Gather relevant documentation, including contracts, correspondence, and any evidence related to your issue.
  • Consult a Lawyer: Seek advice from a lawyer specializing in employment and labor law to understand your rights and options. Initial consultations may help determine the best approach.
  • Explore Mediation: Consider mediation or conciliation services to resolve disputes amicably and cost-effectively.
  • File a Complaint: If necessary, file a complaint with the Fair Work Commission or relevant body to initiate formal proceedings.

Taking prompt action and obtaining sound legal advice can help protect your rights and achieve a fair resolution.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Australia through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Employment & Labor, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Australia - quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.

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