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FairWorkMate

Speaking notes for a difficult workplace conversation

Pick the conversation, give us the facts, and get structured speaking notes that keep the process fair and lawful — opening script, the points to make, how to handle a reaction, and what not to say.

Last verified: 7 June 2026
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This tool provides general information and estimates only, based on the National Employment Standards (NES) and publicly available data from the Fair Work Commission. It does not constitute legal, financial, tax, or industrial relations advice and should not be relied upon as such. Results may not reflect your specific circumstances, award, enterprise agreement, or contract. Always verify results with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional before making decisions.

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We build the right structure and legal guard-rails for this specific conversation.

Tells us whether the unfair-dismissal minimum employment period has passed.

Small businesses (fewer than 15) have different dismissal rules.

Sets the wording and the look of your document.

Free to build and preview. Pay $4.99 only to download the finished pack — then edit & re-download free for 72 hours.

Before a high-stakes conversation, get it signed off

These notes help you run a fair process — but for a dismissal, redundancy or serious misconduct, a wrong step can become an unfair-dismissal or general-protections claim. For anything high-stakes, have an employment lawyer or HR adviser check your process first.

Law Tram matches you with an Australian employment lawyer; many offer a free first chat. For ongoing process, policies and templates, an HR consultant can help you set things up properly.

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FairWork Mate is an independent commercial service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with the Fair Work Ombudsman, the Fair Work Commission, or any Australian Government agency. Content is general information and estimates only — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.

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Affiliate partners — commissions fund the free tools on this site. We only recommend partners we've vetted as a good fit for Australian workplaces.