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Megan Cole

Leave & Entitlements Specialist

Fitzroy North, Melbourne, VIC

Unfair dismissal, leave, termination, and enterprise bargaining.

About Megan

Megan came to workplace law the long way round. She spent two years as a paralegal at a plaintiff-side employment firm in Melbourne while finishing her JD, then clerked at the Fair Work Commission registry from 2021. She stayed there for nearly four years as an Associate to a Commissioner — sitting in on conciliations, drafting reasons for decisions on unfair dismissal matters, and listening to a lot of small business owners try to explain what actually happened the day they dismissed someone over a text message.

Four years of Commission work teaches you a few things. Most unfair dismissal claims settle before hearing. Procedural fairness is where employers trip up far more often than the substantive merits. And the Small Business Fair Dismissal Code is chronically misunderstood on both sides of the table.

She left the Commission in mid-2024, took three months to travel through Japan and Vietnam, and joined FairWork Mate later that year. She writes about leave entitlements, termination processes, unfair dismissal procedure, enterprise bargaining, and the overlap between Modern Awards and the NES. Not her lane: pay calculations and super — Daniel covers those.

Juris Doctor from Monash University, conferred 2020. Admitted to practice in Victoria, currently non-practising. Member of the Industrial Relations Society of Victoria. Based in Fitzroy North, Melbourne. Decent at cryptic crosswords, mediocre at middle-distance running, currently working her way through every Ozploitation film from the 1970s.

Specialties

  • Unfair dismissal procedure
  • Small Business Fair Dismissal Code
  • Leave entitlements and the NES
  • Enterprise bargaining

Experience

  1. Paralegal (employment law)

    Plaintiff-side employment firm, Melbourne

    20192021

  2. Associate to a Commissioner

    Fair Work Commission

    20212024

    Conciliations, unfair dismissal hearings, drafting reasons for decisions.

  3. Leave & Entitlements Specialist

    FairWork Mate

    2024present

Education

  • Juris DoctorMonash University (2020)

Professional Memberships

  • Industrial Relations Society of Victoria
  • Law Institute of Victoria (non-practising)

Articles by Megan (102)

Childcare Educator Pay Rates 2026: ECT, Diploma & Certificate III

Pay rates for childcare educators in 2026 — Certificate III, Diploma, and Early Childhood Teacher rates under the Children's Services Award. Plus penalty rates and the gender undervaluation review.

14 April 2026

Parental Leave Goes to 26 Weeks in July 2026 — What's New and How to Claim

Government-funded parental leave increases to 26 weeks from 1 July 2026. Each parent must take at least 4 weeks. Here's how to claim and what's changed.

8 April 2026

Bunnings Pay Rates 2026: Casual, Part-Time & Weekend Rates

Bunnings pays above the award — here's exactly how much. Full breakdown of Bunnings hourly rates, casual loading, weekend penalties, and how Bunnings compares to the General Retail Industry Award minimum.

7 April 2026

Break Entitlements in Australia: Your Rights for 4, 6, 8, 10 & 12 Hour Shifts

What breaks are you legally entitled to at work? Rules by shift length, award-specific break entitlements, paid vs unpaid breaks, and what to do if your employer denies you a break.

7 April 2026

Nurses Award Night Shift Penalty Rates 2026: Exact Rates by Classification

Complete breakdown of night shift, weekend, and public holiday penalty rates under the Nurses Award 2020 (MA000034). Exact dollar amounts for every classification level.

7 April 2026

Paid Parental Leave 26 Weeks: Your Complete Guide from 1 July 2026

From 1 July 2026, government-funded Paid Parental Leave expands to 26 weeks — up from 22 weeks. Here's who qualifies, the income test ($175,088), how to split between partners, 'use it or lose it' reserved days, and what employers need to do.

20 March 2026

Non-Compete Clauses Banned: What It Means for Workers Under $175K

Australia is banning non-compete clauses for workers earning under $175,000. Here's what the ban covers, when it takes effect, how it affects existing contracts, and what employers can still enforce.

18 March 2026

Resigning? How Much Notice You Need to Give Your Employer

How much notice do you need to give when resigning in Australia? Complete guide covering notice periods by award, contract requirements, what happens if you don't work notice, and payment in lieu.

16 March 2026

Gig Worker Rights 2026: The New 'Employee-Like' Category Explained

Australia has created a new 'employee-like' worker category covering Uber, Deliveroo, Airtasker, and similar platforms. Here's what it means, what protections you get, unfair deactivation rules, and FWC minimum standards.

14 March 2026

Annual Leave Loading: The 17.5% Bonus You Might Be Missing

What is 17.5% annual leave loading and how is it calculated? Use our guide to understand who gets leave loading, how to calculate it, and whether your award or agreement includes it.

12 March 2026

Workplace Bullying: What to Do Step by Step

A compassionate, practical guide to dealing with workplace bullying in Australia. Learn the legal definition, how to document incidents, the internal complaint process, FWC anti-bullying orders, workers comp for psychological injury, and where to get external support.

8 March 2026

Probation Period Rights: What Your Employer Can and Can't Do

Everything you need to know about probation periods in Australia — your entitlements from day one, notice requirements, the 6-month minimum employment period for unfair dismissal, general protections that apply immediately, extending probation, and the most common myths debunked.

4 March 2026

AI and Your Job: The Employee Rights Most Workers Don't Know About

What happens when AI replaces your role? Your consultation rights, redundancy entitlements, retraining obligations, and how to protect yourself as AI transforms Australian workplaces.

3 March 2026

Paid Parental Leave Australia 2026: 26 Weeks PPL From 1 July

Paid Parental Leave goes to 26 weeks from 1 July 2026. Eligibility, how to claim, super on PPL, employer obligations, and your return-to-work rights — updated for the new scheme.

1 March 2026

Flexible Work Arrangements: How to Request and What to Do If Refused

Who can request flexible work in Australia, how to make a written request, employer obligations (21 days to respond), reasonable business grounds, FWC dispute resolution under the 2024 amendments, and practical tips for a successful application.

28 February 2026

Flexible Work Arrangements: Who Can Request & How to Apply (2026 Guide)

Your guide to requesting flexible work in Australia. Covers expanded eligibility under 2023 changes, types of flexible arrangements, the formal request process, when employers can refuse, and your right to appeal through the Fair Work Commission.

27 February 2026

Right to Disconnect Australia 2026: Can Your Boss Contact You After Hours?

Australia's right to disconnect law explained. Covers the Fair Work Amendment Act 2024 provisions, which employers are covered, reasonable contact exceptions, how to exercise your right, and Fair Work Commission dispute orders.

24 February 2026

Gig Worker Rights Australia 2026: New Minimum Standards for Platform Workers

Australia's new gig economy reforms explained. Covers minimum pay standards for platform workers, insurance requirements, deactivation protections, and the distinction between independent contractors and employees in 2026.

23 February 2026

Unfair Dismissal Australia: Time Limits, Eligibility & How to Claim

Complete guide to unfair dismissal claims in Australia. Covers eligibility requirements, the strict 21-day time limit, the Fair Work Commission process, remedies including reinstatement and compensation, and the small business fair dismissal code.

19 February 2026

Gig Worker Minimum Standards 2026: New Pay Rates & Rights for Rideshare and Delivery Workers

New minimum standards for gig economy workers in Australia — minimum pay rates, insurance requirements, and dispute resolution for rideshare drivers and food delivery riders.

18 February 2026

Annual Leave in Australia: Complete Guide to Your 4 Weeks Paid Leave

Everything you need to know about annual leave in Australia. Covers the 4-week entitlement, how leave accrues, 17.5% leave loading, cashing out rules, directed leave, and what happens to unused leave on termination.

16 February 2026

Long Service Leave Calculator by State: How Much Do You Get?

Calculate your long service leave entitlement by state in Australia. Covers qualifying periods, accrual rates, pro-rata entitlements, and how to calculate your LSL payout for every state and territory.

15 February 2026

AI in the Workplace: Your Rights When Employers Use AI to Monitor or Replace You

Understand your workplace rights around AI surveillance, algorithmic management, and automation in Australia. Covers employer obligations, unfair dismissal protections, and how unions are responding to AI in 2026.

15 February 2026

Public Holidays Australia 2026: Complete List by State with Pay Rates

Every 2026 Australian public holiday by state, including substitute days. Casual pay rates (2.5x+), your right to refuse work, and part-day public holiday rules explained.

15 February 2026

Can Your Employer Force You to Take Annual Leave? Shutdown & Excessive Leave Rules

Your employer can direct you to take annual leave in limited circumstances: business shutdowns and excessive leave balances. Know the rules, notice periods, and your rights.

12 February 2026

Cashing Out Annual Leave: Rules, Tax & When You Can Do It

Learn the strict rules for cashing out annual leave in Australia. You must keep 4 weeks minimum, need a written agreement, and your employer can't force you to cash out.

10 February 2026

Family & Domestic Violence Leave 2026: 10 Days Paid for All Employees

All Australian employees — including casuals — are entitled to 10 days paid family and domestic violence leave per year. Confidentiality protections, what it covers, and how to access it.

9 February 2026

Community Service Leave: Jury Duty, Emergency Services & Voluntary Work

Australian employees are entitled to community service leave for jury duty (with make-up pay) and emergency service volunteering. Know your rights — your employer cannot refuse.

9 February 2026

How to File an Unfair Dismissal Claim in Australia — Step-by-Step Process

Complete guide to filing an unfair dismissal claim with the Fair Work Commission. Covers eligibility, the 21-day deadline, application forms, conciliation, and what compensation you can expect.

29 January 2026

Injured at Work in Australia: Workers Compensation Guide 2026

A complete guide to workers compensation in Australia for 2026. Covers reporting injuries, state-by-state workers comp schemes, what is covered, protection from dismissal, return-to-work obligations, common claim types, and the rise in psychological injury claims.

25 January 2026

Laid Off in 2026? Redundancy Survival Guide: Pay, Centrelink & Next Steps

A comprehensive survival guide for workers made redundant in 2026. Covers how to verify genuine redundancy, calculate your entitlements, understand tax on redundancy pay, navigate Centrelink waiting periods, and plan your next steps including upskilling options.

19 January 2026

Working From Home to Save Money: Your Right to Request Flexible Work in 2026

Working from home can save thousands per year on commuting, food, and clothing. Learn about expanded flexible work request rights from 2023, how to make a formal request your employer can only refuse on reasonable business grounds, and WFH tax deductions.

19 January 2026

Will Australia Regulate Workplace AI? What's Coming in 2026-27

Australia is moving toward AI workplace regulation. See what's proposed for 2026-27: mandatory guardrails, union positions, employer groups, and how it will affect your rights.

12 January 2026

The Right to a Human Decision: Can You Demand a Person Reviews Your Case in Australia?

Can you insist a human — not an algorithm — makes decisions about your job? Explore emerging AI rights, the EU AI Act's influence, and Australia's current legal position.

8 January 2026

How to Lodge a Complaint About AI Discrimination at Work in Australia

Step-by-step guide to lodging a complaint about AI discrimination in the workplace. Covers Fair Work Commission, Human Rights Commission, and state anti-discrimination bodies.

6 January 2026

Gig Workers and AI: How Algorithms Control Your Pay and Hours in Australia

Algorithms set your pay, allocate your jobs, and can deactivate you without warning. Know your rights as a gig worker in Australia and whether you're really an employee.

4 January 2026

Can I Use ChatGPT at Work? AI Policies and Your Employment Contract in Australia

Using ChatGPT or AI at work? Understand employer AI policies, IP ownership, confidentiality risks, and whether you can be fired for using AI tools without permission.

1 January 2026

AI Performance Reviews: When Your KPIs Are Set by a Machine in Australia

Algorithmic performance management is growing in Australia. Know your rights when AI sets targets, scores your work, or triggers disciplinary action based on machine metrics.

31 December 2025

ChatGPT and Your Job: Will AI Replace Australian Workers in 2026?

Worried AI will take your job in 2026? See which Australian jobs are most at risk, your redundancy rights if your role is automated, and how to future-proof your career.

29 December 2025

AI Bias in Hiring: Can You Be Rejected by an Algorithm in Australia?

AI resume screening is widespread in Australia but anti-discrimination law still applies. Learn your rights if an algorithm rejects your job application unfairly.

28 December 2025

Can AI Fire Me? Your Rights When Algorithms Make Workplace Decisions in Australia

Can your employer use AI to fire you in Australia? Your unfair dismissal rights still apply. Learn what protections exist when algorithms make hiring, firing, and performance decisions.

24 December 2025

Workplace Bullying 2026: Your Rights, How to Report, and What the Law Actually Protects

Being bullied at work? You can apply for a stop bullying order from the FWC. See the legal definition, how to gather evidence, the complaint process, and when bullying crosses into a criminal matter.

7 December 2025

Probation Period Rights Australia 2026: Can You Be Fired During Probation?

On probation? You still have rights. You get full pay, leave accrual, and notice period from day one. But unfair dismissal protection only kicks in after 6 or 12 months. Know the difference.

3 December 2025

Unfair Dismissal Claim Australia 2026: Step-by-Step Guide (21-Day Deadline)

Fired unfairly? You have 21 days to lodge a claim with the Fair Work Commission. Here's the complete process: eligibility, evidence needed, conciliation, costs, and what compensation you can get.

2 December 2025

Can I Refuse to Work Overtime in Australia? Your Rights Under the NES (2026 Guide)

You can refuse unreasonable overtime under Australian law. But what counts as unreasonable? See the factors the Fair Work Act considers and when your employer can insist you work extra hours.

28 November 2025

Can My Employer Force Me Back to the Office? WFH Rights Australia 2026

Your boss says 'return to office' — do you have to comply? See your rights under flexible work requests, right to disconnect, and what happens if you refuse. Updated for 2026 law changes.

20 November 2025

Gig Economy Rights 2026: Uber, DoorDash & Deliveroo Workers Now Get Minimum Standards

New 'employee-like' laws mean gig workers get minimum pay standards, insurance, and dispute resolution from 2025. See what's changed for Uber, DoorDash, and Menulog drivers.

19 November 2025

Right to Disconnect: Now All Employers

Since Feb 2026, every employer is covered. You can refuse unreasonable after-hours contact. Here's what counts.

16 November 2025

Gender Pay Gap Australia 2026: What Every Woman Should Know This International Women's Day

Australia's gender pay gap is 21.8%. On International Women's Day 2026, learn what the gap really means, which industries are worst, what the law says about equal pay, and how to check if you're being underpaid.

13 October 2025

Can My Employer Refuse Annual Leave? — Your Rights in Australia (2026)

Find out when your employer can and cannot refuse your annual leave request in Australia. Covers NES rights, reasonable refusal, excessive leave, and forced leave during shutdowns.

5 October 2025

Can My Boss Fire Me for Being Sick? — Sick Leave Rights Australia (2026)

Can your employer dismiss you for taking sick leave in Australia? Know your rights on sick leave, medical certificates, and unfair dismissal protections under the Fair Work Act.

3 October 2025

Annual Leave Payout Calculator — How Much Will You Get? (2026)

Calculate how much your accrued annual leave is worth when you leave a job. Covers payout formula, leave loading, tax treatment on resignation vs redundancy.

29 September 2025

7 Red Flags in Your Employment Contract That Are Actually Illegal (2026)

These 7 clauses in your employment contract may be illegal or unenforceable under Australian law. Pay secrecy, sham contracting, NES overrides, and more.

25 September 2025

Right to Disconnect: What Actually Happens If Your Boss Calls After Hours? (2026)

The Right to Disconnect is now law. Learn what happens if your boss contacts you after hours, what counts as 'unreasonable,' the 8 factors the FWC considers, and real-world scenarios explained.

14 September 2025

Fired by Text Message? That's Almost Always Unfair Dismissal (2026)

Being dismissed by text message is a strong indicator of unfair dismissal. Learn what the Fair Work Commission considers, the 21-day deadline to file, and what compensation you may be entitled to.

9 September 2025

Wage Theft Is Now a Criminal Offence: 10 Years Prison for Employers (2025)

From 1 January 2025, intentional underpayment is a criminal offence carrying up to 10 years imprisonment. Learn about the new wage theft laws, penalties, enforcement, and how to report your employer.

9 September 2025

Return to Work After Injury or Illness: Your Rights and Obligations (2026)

Returning to work after injury or illness in Australia? Know your rights — suitable duties, graduated return-to-work plans, workers comp rehabilitation obligations, protection from dismissal, and the role of treating doctors vs independent medical examiners. State-by-state guide.

5 September 2025

Can You Legally Record Your Boss in Australia? State-by-State Rules (2026)

Recording laws differ dramatically across Australian states. NSW requires all-party consent, Victoria allows single-party consent, and the rules vary for phone calls, meetings, and video. State-by-state breakdown plus whether recordings are admissible in FWC proceedings.

3 September 2025

Sexual Harassment at Work: The New FWC Stop Order You Need to Know About (2026)

Since March 2023, the Fair Work Commission can issue stop-sexual-harassment orders. Learn how the Respect@Work reforms changed the law, the positive duty on employers, how to apply for a stop order ($0 fee), the FWC vs AHRC pathway, and the new criminal offence for serious cases.

1 September 2025

How to Make a Discrimination Complaint to the AHRC (Australian Human Rights Commission) 2026

Step-by-step guide to making a federal discrimination complaint to the Australian Human Rights Commission. Covers the 4 federal anti-discrimination laws, direct vs indirect discrimination, the conciliation process, time limits, costs, and what happens if conciliation fails.

31 August 2025

Workers Compensation for Mental Health: Can I Claim for Stress and Anxiety? (2026)

Yes, you can claim workers compensation for mental health conditions in Australia — but the rules are strict. Learn the 'significant contributing factor' test, state-by-state thresholds, evidence required, provisional liability, and your rights if your employer disputes the claim.

27 August 2025

Workplace Bullying vs Reasonable Management Action: Where's the Line? (2026)

Understand the critical legal distinction between workplace bullying and reasonable management action in Australia. Learn the FWC 5-factor test, stop-bullying orders under s789FC Fair Work Act, how to document bullying, and what management actions are legally protected.

26 August 2025

Restraint of Trade Clauses: Are They Enforceable in Australia? (2026)

Non-compete and restraint of trade clauses are generally void unless the employer proves they're reasonable. Learn how courts assess enforceability, the new non-compete ban for workers under the high-income threshold, cascading clauses, and what to do if threatened.

25 August 2025

Sham Contracting in Australia: How to Tell If You're Really an Employee (2026)

Sham contracting is when an employer disguises employment as independent contracting to avoid paying entitlements. Learn the multi-factor test, penalties (up to $469,500), how to report it, your entitlements if reclassified, and the new employee-like worker reforms.

21 August 2025

Fixed-Term Contract Redundancy: Are You Entitled to a Payout? (2026)

Fixed-term contract workers may be entitled to redundancy pay if their contract is terminated early. Learn how the 2023 fixed-term contract reforms affect your redundancy rights in 2026.

17 August 2025

How to Negotiate a Better Redundancy Package in Australia (Step-by-Step 2026)

Most employees accept the NES minimum redundancy without negotiating. Learn step-by-step how to negotiate additional weeks, outplacement, and other extras to maximise your redundancy package in 2026.

14 August 2025

Can Your Employer Change Your Job Description Without Consent? (2026 Guide)

Learn when your employer can legally change your job duties in Australia and when changes cross the line into redundancy or constructive dismissal. Your 2026 guide to workplace rights.

12 August 2025

Can My Employer Reduce My Pay? What Australian Law Actually Says (2026)

Your employer cannot unilaterally reduce your pay rate in Australia. Learn when pay cuts are illegal, when they may be lawful, and what to do if your employer tries to lower your wages in 2026.

11 August 2025

Final Pay in Australia: Your Employer Has 7 Days — Know Your Rights (2026)

Australian employers must pay all final entitlements within 7 days of termination. Learn what's included in final pay, what to do if your employer doesn't pay, and how to enforce your rights in 2026.

11 August 2025

ATO Genuine Redundancy Tax-Free Limit 2025-26 — Calculate Your Tax-Free Amount

The ATO genuine redundancy tax-free limit for 2025-26 is $12,524 base plus $6,260 per completed year of service. Calculate your tax-free component, ETP treatment, and maximise your after-tax payout.

11 August 2025

Unfair Dismissal Compensation Cap 2026: Maximum Payout Is $87,100 (Half Annual Wage)

The FWC unfair dismissal compensation cap for 2025-26 is the lesser of 26 weeks' pay or $87,100. Learn what factors affect your payout, the application process, and typical case outcomes.

7 August 2025

Can My Employer Force Me to Work Overtime? Maximum Hours Australia (2026)

Know your rights on overtime in Australia. The standard is 38 hours per week — overtime beyond that must be 'reasonable.' Learn when you can refuse and what penalties employers face.

8 July 2025

New WFH Law Victoria 2026: Right to Work From Home 2 Days/Week

Victoria's new WFH law gives employees the right to work from home 2 days a week from September 2026. Covers eligibility, right to disconnect, Westpac ruling, and how to request flexible work.

6 July 2025

Annual Leave Calculator: How Many Days Have You Accrued?

Calculate exactly how many annual leave days you've accrued. Full-time: 4 weeks (20 days). Part-time: pro-rata. Enter your details for an instant result. Free calculator.

22 June 2025

Fired Without Warning? Your Rights in Australia (2026) — What You Can Do

Were you fired without warning? Learn when summary dismissal is legal, when it isn't, the 21-day time limit to claim unfair dismissal, and the small business fair dismissal code.

18 June 2025

How to Quit Your Job in Australia: Notice, Final Pay and Entitlements

Quitting your job? Learn your notice requirements, final pay entitlements, annual leave payout, long service leave, super, and everything you need to know about resigning in Australia.

17 June 2025

Made Redundant Because of AI? Here's What You're Owed

AI-driven redundancy IS genuine redundancy — you get full NES entitlements. Calculate your redundancy pay, notice period, tax-free component, and learn how to challenge a sham redundancy.

9 June 2025

How to Prepare for AI Job Changes: Protect Your Career and Entitlements

AI is transforming Australian workplaces. Learn how to protect your career and entitlements — upskilling rights, negotiating tech clauses, redundancy preparation, and government retraining programs.

9 June 2025

Using ChatGPT at Work — Can You Be Fired? [Australian Law 2026]

Can your employer fire you for using ChatGPT at work? Learn when AI use is grounds for dismissal, when it's not, confidentiality risks, and how to protect yourself.

8 June 2025

Will AI Replace My Job? Australian Workers' Rights in 2026

Worried about AI taking your job? Learn your legal rights under the Fair Work Act, redundancy entitlements if replaced by automation, and what to do if your employer announces AI restructures.

4 June 2025

Workers Compensation Claim Process — State-by-State Guide

Learn how to make a workers compensation claim in Australia. Step-by-step process, state-by-state insurers, time limits, return to work obligations, and protections.

3 June 2025

Can You Refuse Redundancy in Australia?

Generally you cannot refuse genuine redundancy in Australia, but you can challenge it if it's not genuine. Learn about redeployment, consultation, and your options.

1 June 2025

Family and Domestic Violence Leave — 10 Days Paid Leave

All Australian employees including casuals are entitled to 10 days paid family and domestic violence leave per year. Learn how to access it and your privacy rights.

30 May 2025

Cashing Out Annual Leave Australia — Rules and Requirements

Learn the rules for cashing out annual leave in Australia. You must keep 4 weeks balance, need a written agreement, and must be paid the full rate including loading.

28 May 2025

Non-Compete Clauses Australia 2025 — What's Changing

Australia is proposing to ban non-compete clauses for workers earning under a threshold. Learn what's changing, current enforceability rules, and your rights.

26 May 2025

How to Make a Fair Work Complaint — Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to lodge a complaint with the Fair Work Ombudsman or Fair Work Commission. Step-by-step process, evidence checklist, timelines, and what to expect.

26 May 2025

National Employment Standards (NES) — Complete Summary of Your 11 Rights

The NES gives every Australian employee 11 minimum workplace rights. Here is a plain-English summary of each entitlement — maximum hours, leave, flexible arrangements, termination, and more.

19 May 2025

Do I Need a Medical Certificate for 1 Day Off Sick? (Australia)

Can your boss demand a doctor's certificate for one sick day? Yes — but only if 'reasonable'. Here's when they can and can't, plus cheaper alternatives to a GP visit.

18 May 2025

Made Redundant While on Maternity Leave — Your Rights

It IS possible for a genuine redundancy to occur during maternity leave, but your employer must prove it's genuine. Learn about presumption of adverse action, how to challenge, and your entitlements.

18 May 2025

General Protections Claim — Alternative to Unfair Dismissal

A general protections claim under the Fair Work Act protects workplace rights with no income cap and no minimum service period. Learn about adverse action, reverse onus, remedies, and the 21-day time limit.

15 May 2025

Enterprise Agreement vs Award — What's the Difference?

Enterprise agreements and Modern Awards both set workplace conditions, but they work differently. Learn the BOOT test, how EAs are made, zombie agreements, and how to check which applies to you.

14 May 2025

Yes, You Can Take Sick Leave for Mental Health — Here's How (2026)

Mental health IS a valid reason for sick leave in Australia. Your employer can't refuse it. Your rights, medical certificate rules, stress leave, WorkCover for anxiety/burnout, and anti-discrimination protections.

8 May 2025

Should I Accept Redundancy or Resign? The Financial Difference

Accepting redundancy vs resigning — the financial implications are massive. Compare redundancy pay, notice pay, tax treatment, and Centrelink eligibility.

1 May 2025

I Just Got Fired — What to Do Right Now (24-Hour Checklist)

An immediate action guide for Australian employees who've just been fired. Your 21-day unfair dismissal clock starts now — here's what to do in the next 24 hours.

30 April 2025

What Happens to My Entitlements If My Employer Goes Bankrupt?

If your employer goes into liquidation, the Fair Entitlements Guarantee (FEG) can cover unpaid wages, notice, leave, and redundancy. Here's how to claim.

28 April 2025

Workers' Comp and Annual Leave — Can You Take Both at the Same Time?

Generally you can't take paid annual leave while on workers' compensation. Rules vary by state. Here's a state-by-state breakdown of how they interact.

27 April 2025

My Employer Is Threatening to Fire Me — What Are My Rights?

Your employer can't threaten adverse action for exercising workplace rights. Learn about General Protections under the Fair Work Act and what to do if you're being threatened.

25 April 2025

Sick Leave Rights: 10 Days, Proof & Casuals

Full-time workers get 10 paid sick days per year. When do you need a medical certificate? Can your boss say no? What about casuals?

14 April 2025

Long Service Leave by State 2026: NSW, VIC, QLD, WA — Side-by-Side Comparison

Long service leave varies dramatically by state. NSW: 8.67 weeks after 10 years. VIC: 8.67 weeks after 7 years. Compare all 8 states + free calculator for your exact entitlement.

10 April 2025

Annual Leave Australia: 4 Weeks + 17.5% Loading Explained

You get 4 weeks (20 days) paid annual leave per year in Australia. Check your rights: leave loading (17.5%), payout on resignation, employer refusal rules, and part-time pro-rata entitlements.

6 April 2025

Notice Period Australia: 1 to 5 Weeks by Years of Service

Minimum notice periods: 1 week (<1 yr), 2 weeks (1-3 yrs), 3 weeks (3-5 yrs), 4 weeks (5+ yrs) + 1 extra if over 45. Free calculator, pay-in-lieu rules, and what to do if short-changed.

3 April 2025

Redundancy Pay: 4-16 Weeks Owed

You're owed 4 to 16 weeks' pay depending on how long you've worked. Enter your salary and years to see your exact payout.

2 April 2025