Employment Law
Our employment law team provides comprehensive advice to both employers and employees on workplace matters. We help businesses navigate their obligations and assist employees in protecting their rights. From contract negotiations to unfair dismissal claims, we provide strategic and practical employment law advice.
The employment law landscape is constantly changing, with new legislation and court decisions shaping workplace rights and obligations. Our team stays current with these developments to provide you with accurate, timely advice that protects your interests and ensures compliance.
Contact UsOur Employment Law Services
- Employment contract drafting and review
- Unfair dismissal and wrongful termination claims
- Workplace discrimination and harassment
- Enterprise agreement negotiation and approval
- Restraint of trade and confidentiality clauses
- Redundancy and restructuring advice
- Work health and safety compliance
- Employment dispute resolution
- Fair Work Act compliance
- Independent contractor agreements
- Workplace investigations
- General protections claims
- Employment separation agreements
- Industrial relations advice
Employment Law FAQs (Queensland Law)
What is the difference between unfair dismissal and wrongful termination in Queensland?
Unfair dismissal relates to a termination that was harsh, unjust, or unreasonable under the Fair Work Act 2009. Wrongful termination is a breach of the employment contract. Different time limits and jurisdictions apply. We advise both employers and employees in Queensland on their rights.
How do I make an unfair dismissal claim in Queensland?
To make an unfair dismissal claim, you must lodge an application with the Fair Work Commission within 21 days of the dismissal taking effect. You must have been employed for at least 6 months (12 months for small businesses) and be covered by the national workplace relations system.
What are my rights if I am made redundant in Queensland?
If you are made redundant in Queensland, you may be entitled to redundancy pay under the Fair Work Act or your award/enterprise agreement. You may also have claims for unfair dismissal if the redundancy is not genuine. We advise on your entitlements and legal options.
Related Practice Areas
Employment Contracts & Agreements
We provide comprehensive advice to employers and employees on the drafting, review, and negotiation of employment contracts and related agreements across all industry sectors in Queensland. Our practice covers the full spectrum of employment arrangements, from executive employment agreements and fixed-term contracts through to casual employment arrangements and independent contractor agreements. We ensure that all employment documentation complies with the Fair Work Act 2009, the National Employment Standards, applicable modern awards and enterprise agreements, and anti-discrimination legislation while accurately reflecting the commercial and operational requirements of each engagement. Our contract drafting is precise and comprehensive, covering all essential terms including duties and position description, remuneration and benefits, hours of work and flexible working arrangements, leave entitlements, termination of employment provisions, and post-employment obligations including restraint of trade clauses and confidentiality obligations.
View ServicesUnfair Dismissal & Termination
We provide strategic advice and representation to both employers and employees in unfair dismissal claims and all aspects of employment termination under the Fair Work Act 2009. Our practice covers the full spectrum of termination-related disputes, from advising on the procedural and substantive requirements for a valid dismissal through to representation in Fair Work Commission proceedings and appeals. We act for employers in defending unfair dismissal claims and for employees in bringing claims. Our unfair dismissal practice is built on thorough understanding of the Fair Work Act provisions governing dismissal, including the definition of dismissal, exclusion provisions, criteria for determining whether a dismissal was harsh, unjust, or unreasonable, and remedies available including reinstatement and compensation.
View ServicesWorkplace Discrimination & Harassment
We provide comprehensive advice and representation to employers and employees in all aspects of workplace discrimination, harassment, and workplace behaviour regulation. Our practice covers the full spectrum of anti-discrimination and workplace behaviour laws at both Commonwealth and Queensland levels, including the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld), the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth), the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth), the Fair Work Act 2009 general protections provisions, and the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld). We advise employers on their obligations to prevent and respond to discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, and bullying, the development of compliant policies, conduct of workplace investigations, and management of complaints.
View ServicesRedundancy & Restructuring
We provide strategic, practical advice to employers and employees on all aspects of redundancy and workforce restructuring, from initial planning and consultation through to implementation and dispute management. Our practice covers the full legal framework governing redundancy under the Fair Work Act 2009, the National Employment Standards, applicable modern awards and enterprise agreements, and the general law. We advise employers on genuine redundancy requirements, consultation obligations, redeployment opportunities, redundancy pay calculations, and management of legal risk. We also advise employees on their rights including consultation, redeployment, and redundancy pay entitlements.
View ServicesEnterprise Agreements & Awards
We provide comprehensive advice to employers, employer associations, and employee representatives on the negotiation, drafting, approval, and ongoing management of enterprise agreements, and on the application and interpretation of modern awards. Our practice covers the complete lifecycle of enterprise agreements under the Fair Work Act 2009, from the initial decision to pursue an agreement through the bargaining process, drafting, approval process including the better off overall test, and ongoing management and variation. Our award advisory practice assists employers in identifying the correct modern awards, understanding award entitlements, managing interaction between awards and contracts, and addressing compliance issues.
View ServicesWorkplace Health & Safety
We provide comprehensive advice and representation to employers, directors, officers, and workers on all aspects of workplace health and safety under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld) and the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Qld). Our practice covers the full range of WHS obligations from the primary duty of care through to incident response, investigation, regulatory enforcement, and development of compliant WHS management systems. We advise on the interaction between WHS obligations and other legal frameworks including the Electrical Safety Act 2002 (Qld), the Workers Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 (Qld), and the Fair Work Act 2009.
View ServicesLast updated: July 2026
Our Approach to Employment Law
We take a practical, dispute-avoidance approach to employment law. We help businesses implement sound policies and procedures that minimise the risk of disputes, while also providing robust representation when issues arise. For employees, we provide clear advice on your rights and pursue fair outcomes.
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