Industrial Relations (IR) Consulting

Build a high-performing team and meet statutory obligations.

Our industrial relations consulting services can help create a happy, productive workforce.

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Industrial Relations in Australia

Industrial Relations (IR) is the management of work-related obligations and entitlements between employers and their workers.

All Australian private sector businesses operate under the Commonwealth Fair Work Act 2009 and are part of the national IR system, which includes pay and employment conditions for private sector employers and employees.

Industrial Relations legislation is administered by the Commonwealth Fair Work Commission and the Fair Work Ombudsman, independent agencies that work with employers, workers, contractors and the community.

All Australian businesses must comply with national Industrial Relations laws.

IR poses challenges for organisations

Adhering to Industrial 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 an Industrial 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 Industrial Relations issues

To help you navigate this complex world, the South Australian Business Chamber offers comprehensive Industrial Relations (IR) and Workplace Relations (WPR) 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 Industrial Relations and Workplace Relations support to organisations for over 180 years.

With a team of qualified, highly-experienced IR/WPR 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. The South Australian Business Chamber provides support across all aspects of Industrial Relations, including enterprise bargaining, unfair dismissal, employment contracts, compliance and workplace investigations.

Our intent is to partner closely with your business, and to develop and implement tailored Industrial 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 IR/WR support

The South Australian Business Chamber consultants are ready now to provide comprehensive advice and practical support for any employer navigating a complex IR/WPR 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

Awards

  • Modern awards — advice, interpretations, calculations and coverage

Enterprise Agreements

  • Development of enterprise agreements
  • Review of enterprise agreements
  • Representation in enterprise agreement negotiations
  • Bargaining assistance
  • Representation to Fair Work Commission
  • Planning and strategy advice

Employment contracts, policies and procedures

  • 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

Mediation and dispute resolution

  • 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 IR experts

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

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