Role Of HR Professionals In Legal Compliance
1. Familiarise with Australian Employment Laws
Know the law
4. Effectively Manage Dismissals and Redundancies
Be Effective
7. Foster Collaboration with Legal Advisors
Get An Expert Team
2. Develop Compliant Contracts and Policies
Write good contracts
5. Prioritise Workplace Health and Safety
Look After Your People
3. Implement Non-Discriminatory Practices
Policy That Makes Sense
6. Regularly Update Knowledge and Skills
Know The Legal Changes
Human Resources Guide: Role Of HR Professionals In Legal Compliance
1. Familiarise with Australian Employment Laws
HR professionals should have a comprehensive understanding of Australian labour laws, including the Fair Work Act 2009, National Employment Standards (NES), and health and safety regulations. This knowledge allows them to ensure company policies align with legal requirements.
Human Resources Guide: Role Of HR Professionals In Legal Compliance
2. Develop Compliant Contracts and Policies
Ensure employment contracts and company policies meet the minimum standards set by Australian employment laws. These documents should clearly outline the terms of employment, employee rights, workplace health and safety protocols, and procedures for handling grievances.
Human Resources Guide: Role Of HR Professionals In Legal Compliance
3. Implement Non-Discriminatory Practices
In line with Australia’s anti-discrimination laws, HR teams should foster a culture of equality and inclusion. This includes implementing non-discriminatory recruitment processes, providing equal access to opportunities and promoting diversity in the workplace.
Human Resources Guide: Role Of HR Professionals In Legal Compliance
4. Effectively Manage Dismissals and Redundancies
To avoid unfair dismissal claims, HR professionals should be well-versed in the legal procedures for dismissals and redundancies. This includes demonstrating a valid reason for dismissal, consulting with employees about redundancies, considering redeployment options, and providing sufficient notice and redundancy pay.
Human Resources Guide: Role Of HR Professionals In Legal Compliance
5. Prioritise Workplace Health and Safety
Under the Work Health and Safety Act, employers must ensure a safe working environment. Regular risk assessments, safety audits, and training sessions can help identify potential hazards and implement appropriate control measures.
Human Resources Guide: Role Of HR Professionals In Legal Compliance
6. Regularly Update Knowledge and Skills
Labour laws evolve over time. HR professionals should stay updated with changes in legislation, court decisions, and industrial awards. Regular attendance at industry seminars, webinars, or workshops can help ensure their knowledge remains current.
Human Resources Guide: Role Of HR Professionals In Legal Compliance
7. Foster Collaboration with Legal Advisors
Maintaining a close relationship with legal advisors can provide HR teams with expert guidance when navigating complex legal issues. This collaboration can be particularly beneficial during challenging situations, such as managing dismissals or addressing workplace disputes.
Human Resources Guide: Careful Contract Drafting
8. Sources
Fair Work Ombudsman: A government website that provides advice on workplace rights, obligations and rules.
Safe Work Australia: A national policy body responsible for developing Australia’s national policy on work health and safety (WHS) and workers’ compensation.
Australian Human Rights Commission: An independent statutory organisation responsible for promoting and protecting human rights in Australia.
Business.gov.au: A comprehensive resource offering access to various government services. It provides information on planning, starting, and growing your business.
Australian Taxation Office: The principal revenue collection agency of the Australian government. It provides information on tax and superannuation systems.
Fair Work Commission: Australia’s national workplace relations tribunal. It is an independent body with power to carry out a range of functions relating to minimum wages, employment conditions, termination of employment, and more.
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