Workplace Relations (WPR) Consulting

Meet your statutory obligations and achieve peace of mind. 

We can help you manage complex Workplace Relations obligations with our WR consulting services.

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Your obligations under the National Workplace Relations System

All Australian businesses — including yours — must comply with national Workplace Relations laws. The Australian National Workplace Relations System’ requires employers to meet a set of stringent workplace conditions in order to protect the rights of Australian workers. 

The Workplace Relations framework is established by the Fair Work Act 2009 (among other laws), which covers most private sector employers and employees in Australia. The practical application of the Act and other workplace legislation is the responsibility of the Commonwealth Fair Work Commission and the Fair Work Ombudsman.

The key elements of Australia’s Workplace Relations framework are as follows:

  • Provision of a safety net’ of minimum terms and conditions of employment;
  • Provision of a system of enterprise-level collective bargaining, underpinned by bargaining obligations and rules governing industrial action;
  • Provision for individual flexibility arrangements as a way to allow an individual worker and an employer to make flexible work arrangements that meet their genuine needs, provided that the employee is better off overall;
  • Protections against unfair or unlawful termination of employment; and
  • Protection of the freedom of both employers and employees to choose whether or not to be represented by a third party in workplace matters, and the provision of rules governing the rights and responsibilities of employer and employee representatives.

Workplace Relations can be a minefield’ for organisations

Adhering to Workplace Relations obligations can be complex and risky for organisations, particularly in an increasingly litigious world. There are a multitude of rules and regulations that organisations are required to comply with and it’s not easy for businesses to fully comprehend the breadth of these requirements, particularly with frequent legislative changes. 

It’s very easy to end up on the wrong side of a Workplace Relations issue — making sure your business complies can be a minefield. It makes sense to seek advice from experts who can simplify and explain exactly what you need to do to protect your business.

The South Australian Business Chamber can help with your Workplace Relations issues

To help you navigate this complex world, the South Australian Business Chamber offers comprehensive Workplace Relations (WPR) and Industrial Relations (IR) advisory services for organisations.

The South Australian Business Chamber is well-placed to provide this support: we are South Australia’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry and peak employer body; we are SA’s largest membership-based employer organisation; and we represent employers and business owners across 19 different industry sectors. Founded in 1839, we have been providing Workplace Relations and Industrial Relations support to organisations for over 180 years.

With a team of qualified, highly-experienced WPR/IR practitioners, the South Australian Business Chamber can provide your organisation with tailored support, whether it’s an urgent, short-notice requirement or a longer-term solution. Our consultants are experts in their field and are fully abreast of legislative changes, modern award updates and best practice’ HR support. Among other things, our consultants can help your organisation with advice on unfair dismissal, employee termination and underpayment claims, as well as discrimination, sexual harassment, bullying, privacy and disciplinary issues.

Our intent is to partner closely with your business, and to develop and implement tailored workplace relations solutions. Through the provision of advice, strategy, representation, investigations and training, we will ensure that you achieve your organisational objectives, as well as meeting your obligations to your employees.

Interested in learning more?

Complete our online enquiry form and we will get in touch with you to discuss our services.

Comprehensive WPR/IR support

The South Australian Business Chamber consultants are ready now to provide comprehensive advice and practical support for any employer navigating a complex WPR/IR issue. We can provide support in the following areas:

Employment conditions

  • National Employment Standards (NES)
  • Employee leave entitlements — Annual leave; parental leave; personal/carer’s leave; long service leave; compassionate leave; community service leave

Employment documents

  • Modern awards — advice, interpretations, calculations and coverage
  • Development of enterprise agreements
  • Review of enterprise agreements
  • Representation in enterprise agreement negotiations
  • Bargaining assistance
  • Representation to Fair Work Commission
  • Planning and strategy advice
  • Training about employment documents

Employment policies, procedures and contracts

  • Development, implementation and review of HR policies and procedures
  • Development, implementation and review of employment contracts,
  • Development, implementation and review of individual flexibility agreements
  • Development, implementation and review of human resources templates

Employee performance management

  • Facilitation and employer support
  • Employer representation
  • Counselling advice
  • Documentation
  • Disciplinary processes
  • Performance appraisals
  • Job descriptions

Employee termination and separation

  • Unfair dismissals
  • Redundancies
  • Termination and separation entitlements
  • Drafting legally binding agreements (e.g. deeds of release)
  • Abandonment of employment
  • Exit interviews
  • Documentation

Employer rights and responsibilities

  • HR and IR compliance audits — assess health of your HR systems and identify gaps
  • Union rights of entry
  • Union negotiations
  • Record keeping
  • Training about employer rights and responsibilities

Employee grievances, claims and disputes

  • Complaints handling
  • Representation at industrial tribunals
  • Underpayment of wages – assistance and representation
  • Bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment investigations and reports
  • General protection claims
  • Dispute resolution, mediation and training

Interested in learning more?

Complete our online enquiry form and we will get in touch with you to discuss our services.

Our lead contact person

Elisa Luck

General Manager, Programs and Consulting

Ask the experts

Kathryn Rees

Senior Consultant Workplace Relations And Injury Management

Lisa Casella

Senior Consultant, Workplace Relations

Our HR and Workplace Relations service areas

HR Consulting

Workplace Relations (WPR) Consulting

Industrial Relations (IR) Consulting

Federal Industrial Relations Changes 2022

Modern Award Subscription Packs

Business Bookshop

Training Courses - HR and Workplace Relations

Business Advice Hotline - HR and Workplace Relations

The South Australian Business Chamber

Contact our Workplace Relations experts

Submit the enquiry form and one of our staff will get in touch with you.

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