What Does the Fair Work Commission Do?
The Fair Work Commission is Australia’s national workplace relations tribunal and deals with a broad range of workplace matters. Employers may encounter the Commission through unfair dismissal, general protections, workplace bullying and other applications.
How We Help
We review applications, prepare employer responses, assess jurisdictional issues, advise on evidence, prepare for conciliation, negotiate settlements and provide representation where appropriate.
Received an Application — What Do You Do?
Identify the type of application, allegations and response requirements. Preserve relevant emails, contracts, policies, meeting notes, warnings, investigation material and other records. Avoid making informal substantive admissions before the matter has been assessed.
Unfair Dismissal Claims
We assist employers to assess the reason and process for dismissal, prepare the response and participate in conciliation or further proceedings.
General Protections Matters
General protections disputes can involve allegations about the reasons for adverse action. Decision-maker evidence and contemporaneous documentation can therefore be particularly important.
Fair Work Commission Conciliation
Conciliation provides an opportunity to explore whether a dispute can be resolved without further proceedings. Employers should understand the strengths, weaknesses and commercial implications of their position before attending.
Should an Employer Settle or Defend?
There is no single answer. The decision should consider legal merits, evidence, management time, commercial cost, workplace impact and the terms on which a resolution may be available.
Preparing Evidence
Relevant evidence may include employment agreements, policies, emails, meeting notes, warnings, performance records, investigation documents and witnesses involved in the decision.
Preventing Fair Work Disputes
Clear contracts, policies, documentation and well-managed workplace processes can reduce the likelihood of disputes and improve the employer’s position if a claim arises.
Supporting Employers Across the Sunshine Coast
Saines Legal assists employers throughout the Sunshine Coast with Fair Work Commission matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should an employer seek legal advice?
Early advice is often most valuable before a significant workplace decision or process is finalised.
Can Saines Legal assist before action is taken?
Yes. We can review the circumstances, documentation and proposed process and help identify potential employment law risks.
Do you assist businesses throughout the Sunshine Coast?
Yes. We assist employers across Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, Buderim, Birtinya, Kawana, Caloundra, Noosa, Nambour and surrounding areas.