Employment & safety

We work with HR professionals, internal counsel, executives and line managers to mitigate risk at all stages of the employment relationship – from beginning to end and beyond.

We regularly conduct workplace investigations about whistleblower issues, bullying, discrimination, harassment, misconduct (including theft, inappropriate computer use), WHS, and other employment related issues.

Our role varies depending on the sensitivity of the issue being investigated, the seniority of the person complained about and strategically where we see the investigation heading.

Gaining good outcomes in industrial matters is often all about positioning and timing – making good strategic decisions at the outset and then maintaining the preferred positioning throughout. We have the experience and capability to provide a 'winning strategy' at the outset of any matter (whether a contentious dismissal with industrial implications or an industrial or bargaining dispute).

We can articulate and explain our strategy, and ensure the business leaders who are responsible for execution understand and support the strategy, and have the capability and the tools to do what they need to do to deliver. This is critical to achieving industrial objectives.

Although we work extensively with Counsel in all States, and have good working relationships with the best in the country, we are also able to provide a complete 'strategy to advocacy' service at all levels, from the Fair Work Commission to the Federal Court if required.

Our track record in protecting organisations and officers from exposure to legal risk has been built on our extensive experience in responding to WHS incidents, and our ability to provide industry-specific advice and practical solutions to WHS issues. From proactive advice and training to responding to WHS issues, we offer a one-stop shop for safety and wellbeing.

Our dedicated migration practice offers a full-service approach, from assisting clients with workforce mobilisation strategies to managing the operational aspects of visa applications and dealing with compliance issues. We are able to tap into the wider expertise of the firm, giving our clients access to holistic advice on all related aspects of their operations including tax, employment and corporate law. Refer to the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority - Code of Conduct.

For our Australian clients, we provide assistance with both one-off visa issues and also high-volume transactional work. For our overseas-based clients, we support them setting up a business in Australia.

Our remuneration governance team is part of a fully-integrated, multi-disciplinary service that works with MinterEllison experts in employment, corporate and tax law.

We advise Boards and work with management to help them ensure their HR, remuneration policy and remuneration strategies are aligned with their business strategy – meeting best practice in light of governance and regulatory frameworks. We help our clients understand market remuneration levels; advise them on how to structure and deliver pay; work on communications to engage effectively with shareholders; and ensure our clients meet ‘best practice’ governance standards and regulatory requirements.