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Canberra, Australia Attorneys in related practice areas.
Employment and labor law in Canberra, Australia is governed by the Fair Work Act 2009 and other relevant legislations. The laws aim to provide a balanced and fair framework for both employers and employees, regulating aspects like working hours, leave, pay rates, workplace health and safety, and redundancy among others. It also addresses issues related to discrimination, harassment, unfair dismissal and workplace rights.
There may be a number of situations where you would need an employment and labor lawyer. Common scenarios include workplace disputes, redundancy and unfair dismissal cases, crafting employment contracts, review of work conditions, wage disputes, and resolving issues related to discrimination, harassment or bullying. The complexity of such situations often demands professional legal advice and representation.
In Canberra, like other parts of Australia, the Fair Work Act 2009 is the principal legislation governing labor and employment. It covers minimum employment standards (National Employment Standards), modern awards, enterprise agreements, and unfair dismissal laws. There are also local laws related to work health and safety, workers' compensation, and equal opportunity. Employers are obligated to ensure safe and healthy workplaces, fair pay and conditions, and an environment free from discrimination and harassment under these laws.
Unfair dismissal refers to a situation where an employee is dismissed from their job in a harsh, unjust or unreasonable manner. The Fair Work Commission is the authority ruling on unfair dismissal applications.
The standard working hours under Canberra law are 38 hours per week. However, additional hours may be worked if it is reasonable.
The Act covers all employees in the national workplace relations system including private sector employees, public entities, and local government employees among others.
The minimum employment standards, also known as National Employment Standards, include maximum weekly hours, the right to request flexible working arrangements, leave entitlements, public holidays, notice of termination and redundancy pay.
The Fair Work Commission can provide advice and assistance to resolve both unfair dismissal and general protections disputes, through mechanisms like conciliation, conferences and hearings.
The Fair Work Commission and Fair Work Ombudsman websites offer plenty of resources and information for both employers and employees. The Workers' Compensation Regulator is also a good resource for matters related to workplace injuries. Moreover, the ACT Human Rights Commission can provide guidance on issues related to discrimination and harassment.
If you require legal assistance in employment and labour matters, consult a competent lawyer who specializes in this field. Prepare a detailed summary of your circumstances and gather all relevant documents. To find a solicitor, you may consider referring to the Law Society of the ACT, which provides a directory of lawyers in the region.
