Best Employment & Labor Lawyers in Australia

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Bold Lawyers
Hobart, Australia

Founded in 2004
10 people in their team
English
About usBold Lawyers know that experience and great results are important. Just as important is the amount of money charged by your lawyer to achieve the result you want. Your legal fees can and should be reasonable no matter how big or small your case is.Depending on the agreement that you sign...
E. P. Johnson & Davies
Mount Waverley, Australia

Founded in 1961
38 people in their team
English
Who we areโ€ฆHicks Oakley Chessell Williams is a well-respected law firm whose origins began in 1961 in Mount Waverley, an Eastern suburb of Melbourne.Hicks Oakley Chessell Williams is an incorporated practice, initially formed as a partnership in 2000 by a merger between the firms of Hicks...

English
IMMI SOLUTION - Migration & Education Consultants provides migration and overseas-education services focused on helping individuals study, work and settle in Australia. The firm deploys registered migration agents and experienced education counsellors to assess client profiles, prepare visa...
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...
Weatherly & Associates
Adelaide, Australia

Founded in 2012
10 people in their team
English
About usWeatherly & Associates is a boutique law firm specialising in the areas of Family Law, Criminal Law and Corporate & Commercial Law. We provide legal advice to a broad range of clients including individuals, small to medium businesses, charities and not-for-profit organisations. We...
Owen Hodge Lawyers
Sydney, Australia

Founded in 1951
55 people in their team
English
Owen Hodge Lawyers is a top tier law firm that Sydney residents rely on. We commenced providing legal services to the St George and Sutherland communities in 1951. Since then our firm has grown considerably, developing a reputation for quality legal services, value for money and a strong...
Coulter Legal
Geelong, Australia

Founded in 1940
English
Coulter Legal is a distinguished Australian law firm with over 85 years of experience, offering comprehensive legal services to both business and private clients. With a team of more than 80 professionals, the firm operates from offices in Geelong, Melbourne, Torquay, Barwon Heads, and Robe,...
Advocate Lawyers
Kingston, Australia

Founded in 2022
10 people in their team
English
About usNow open in Kingston and Hobart! Advocate Lawyers provides services to residents of the Channel, Huon, Hobart and beyond. We can assist with specialist litigation support such as family law or employment disputes, as well as more general services such as conveyancing and wills & estate...
Havilah Legal
Maylands, Australia

Founded in 1998
10 people in their team
English
About Havilah LegalFamily, Succession, Business & Litigation LawyersOur lawyers operate across a range of areas. These include Family Law and Deceased Estates and Inheritance, and Business Succession Planning, Litigation and Disputes. Our focus is on providing you, with reliable and strategic...
Bambrick Legal
Sydney, Australia

Founded in 2010
15 people in their team
English
Bambrick Legal is a relationship-focused, cost-effective law firm based in Adelaide, South Australia, delivering services to individuals and businesses across a wide range of practice areas including corporate and commercial, migration and citizenship, employment, family and private client matters....
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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.

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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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