Fair Work Representation

Call for a free consultation about your Fair Work claim or other employment law matter.

1300 144 002
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Claims move quickly

Employees have 21 days after a dismissal to lodge an unfair dismissal or general protections claim. Call us as soon as one arrives and we’ll plan your response.

Low monthly retainer, from $300 a month + GST
24/7 HR advice line, for support on demand
No lock-in contracts, for ultimate flexibility

Fair Work representation
in three steps

1. Review the claim

We read the claim, look at how the employment ended and check your records, the deadlines and whether the employee is eligible to claim.

2. Build your case

We draft your employer response and gather the evidence behind it, from contracts and pay records to warnings and meeting notes.

3. We represent you

Our employment law team represents you at conciliation, negotiates a settlement and arranges legal representation if needed.

Fair Work claims we handle

We represent and support employers with:

Unfair dismissal claims and conciliation

General protections claims

Bullying and harassment complaints

Fair Work Ombudsman investigations

Settlement talks and deeds of release

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Available services for Employment Compass clients

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Team meeting around a table with tablets, notebooks and coffee

Talk to us about your claim

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Frequently asked questions

Straight answers to the questions employers ask when a Fair Work claim arrives.

How should my business respond to an unfair dismissal claim?

Don’t ignore it, and don’t rush your reply. Note the date the Fair Work Commission has set for your employer response, then gather the employee’s contract, pay records, warnings and meeting notes. Call us before you file anything: we’ll check whether the employee is eligible to claim, draft your response and plan the next steps with you.

Which employees can make an unfair dismissal claim against my business?

Employees with at least 6 months’ service (12 months with a small business) who are covered by an award or agreement, or earn under $190,100 (from 1 July 2026). Claims are due within 21 days. Our unfair dismissal guide has more.

What is a general protections or adverse action claim, and who can make one?

It’s a claim that you took adverse action, such as dismissal, because an employee used a workplace right or has a protected attribute. There’s no minimum service, and dismissal claims are due in 21 days.

What happens at a Fair Work Commission conciliation for an unfair dismissal claim?

Usually a private, informal phone conference, sometimes called a conciliation hearing, where an independent conciliator helps both sides try to settle. We prepare you and represent you on the day.

Do I need a lawyer to respond to a Fair Work Commission claim?

Not usually at the start. Our employment law team can prepare your response and represent you at conciliation. If your matter goes to a hearing, we arrange legal representation through partner law firms.

Does the Small Business Fair Dismissal Code apply to my business?

Only if you have fewer than 15 employees, counting regular casuals. Staff then need 12 months’ service to claim, and following the Code means a dismissal is treated as fair. See our guide to the Code.