Local Government
In order for councils to gain comprehensive legal services, they should turn to a law firm with knowledge of their unique industrial context and a track record of providing specialised sector advice.
In New South Wales, local government employers are not ‘national system employers’ and are largely not regulated by the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), and are therefore national system employers, but rather are governed by the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) and the Industrial Relations Act 1996 (NSW). Also, council staff may be covered by state industrial instruments such as the Local Government (State) Award, an enterprise agreement or enterprise award. Senior staff may be employed under a standard form of contract of employment.
As a result, councils require specialised legal services from a law firm that understands their unique industrial context and provides tailored advice.
WilliamsonBarwick provides advice to a number of councils around New South Wales on issues to do with: performance management; disciplinary action; change management including organisational restructures; termination and redundancy; award interpretation; senior staff contracts; and workplace investigations.
A Critical Risk Assessment For Your Business
In recent years there has been a sharp, public focus on employers who have underpaid staff or engaged in other unlawful behaviour. Employers large and small have been required to compensate employees and pay significant penalties as a result of enforcement action. The trend in Employment Law is one of ever-growing complexity and rapid change. Most compliance problems arise out of inadvertence and are not deliberate, but nonetheless pose significant legal, financial and reputational risk to an organisation.
Advice
Employment Law can be complicated. A sound understanding is required of how the law of contract and employment statutes intersect and inform your rights and duties. So our goal is to provide legal advice that is clear, timely and concise. As specialists, we understand and can explain how the law applies to your situation and what your legal options are.
Workplace Investigation
When a serious allegation is made in the workplace, it may be necessary to appoint an external investigator to determine the facts so you know what action to take. WilliamsonBarwick can appoint an investigator for you and oversee the investigation process, so as to provide you with confidential legal advice on the investigator’s findings.
Employment Disputes
Disputes with employees can be costly, distracting and stressful for management and employees alike. You can’t always avoid a dispute arising, but with our help you can implement a strategy to resolve the problem in a timely manner and minimise disruption to your business.
PERSONAL CONSULTATION & SUPPORT
EXCLUSIVE TO EMPLOYERS & SENIOR EXECUTIVES
OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE
ACCREDITED SPECIALIST, EMPLOYMENT & INDUSTRIAL LAW
Accredited Specialist, Employment & Industrial Law – One Easy-to-Read Report – Confidential Consultation & Support – Protected by Legal Professional Privilege.
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