Course code: JSB-ELAU - call 0845 071 2801
Overview
Course duration: 1 day.
This course is run in partnership with JSB.
It is essential that employers operating in Australia understand the legal framework to ensure they maintain good employee relations and avoid falling foul of local employment law and practice.
This Employment Law Australia seminar, led by a partner from Minter Ellison in Sydney, provides an introduction to Australian employment law and practice.
It provides a clear overview of the Australian employment framework and valuable insights into the key differences between Australian employment law and that of other countries, with a focus on Australia's recent industrial relations legislation, key parts of which came into effect on 1 January 2010 and have had a major impact on employers and employees.
Is it right for me?
Business directors, personnel and HR managers, employee relations professionals, in-house counsel, lawyers, line managers and anyone with responsibility for staff in Australia
What will I learn?
- 'Need to know' advice on how to deal with employee issues in your Australian operations
- Understand the legislative framework and latest legal developments in Australia
- Be able to advise colleagues on local employment law and practice
- Appreciate the key differences between employment law and practice in Australia and in other countries
What will it cover?
An overview of the employment law framework in Australia
- Setting the scene: Australia’s labour market and legal framework
- The key differences and how it compares to the position in other countries
Hiring employees and contract of employment
- The offer of employment (what pre-employment checks should be done)?
- Practical advice on drafting terms and conditions of employment
- Minimum employment benefits (including superannuation (the pension equivalent), annual leave, personal/carer`s leave, long service leave and working time arrangements)
- State versus employer benefits (including the paid maternity leave debate)
Day to day employee engagement
- Highlighting some key differences in approach
- Equal treatment of employees: what is the situation in Australia?
- Discipline and grievances: key issues and differences to the position in other countries
- Developing trends: including bullying and the role of the health and safety watchdog
- Privacy issues
Collective bargaining and relationships with trade unions
- Collective bargaining and the role of the unions
- Collective agreements and their interaction with employment contracts
- Union consultation: how far does it go?
Use of independent contractors
- The Contractor employee debate
- Drafting contractor agreements
- The risk of legal claims (including in relation to sham arrangements)
Protecting your business
- Confidential information, IP and Post Termination Restraints
- How to get the drafting right: what you need to know
- What happens if your team leaves: practical steps to best protect your business
Termination of employment
- Termination of employment: the risks and what to watch out for
- General unfair dismissal protection
- Redundancies and restructuring
- Adverse Action claims
- Employment tribunals and Courts