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Industrial
Relations.

Navigating such important legal issues requires specialist HR Management knowledge and support.

SERVICES

We Can Help.

Our Tasmanian-based team works with clients across Australia, and we have established relationships with providers in most states to ensure we can provide timely and effective support, even if we cannot assist immediately or experience delays. Learn more about how AHR can support your business with comprehensive HR services.

Workers Compensation

Workers Compensation claims within your business can be stressful when trying to manage paperwork and conversations.  The AHR team can liaise with doctors, assist with return to work plans, and agreements on meaningful duties. Our team can cover all areas of Workers Compensation Claims from the moment the application is made through to completion of the claim. The AHR team are here to save you valuable time.

Comprehensive Investigations

Employee disputes and misconduct are common in any workplace. Allegations of harassment, discrimination, bullying, and fraud can present significant challenges. AHR conducts thorough workplace investigations tailored to your business needs. We manage every step, from initial complaint assessment to final report, ensuring a thorough and unbiased investigation.

Industrial Relations Advice and Internal Representation

In the complex world of IR, we will provide expert advice and support to you on matters relating to performance management, disciplinary action, and matters pertaining to sick or injured workers. We can also conduct workplace meetings, and represent you in internal IR matters.

Managing Disciplinary Actions

When disciplinary action is necessary, AHR ensures the process aligns with current Industrial Relations laws. Our team conducts investigations to support fair, justified, and legally compliant disciplinary measures and then if necessary, can assist with running a Formal Disciplinary process.

Fair Work Representation

AHR recognise how difficult and confusing workplace investigations can be. We will represent your business to the workplace regulators in matters of unfair dismissal, harassment or discrimination claims, equal opportunities claims, or any other workplace relations situations. We will be your trusted and contactable experts who will advise you in relation to compliance investigations.

Workplace Investigation

 We understand all businesses are unique, and not all businesses require a full time HR team member. When workplace issues arise, the AHR team will step up and do the leg-work in your incident investigations including responding to complaints of harassment, discrimination, or bullying.

The strategic approach

When reviewing your business strategy with a lens to the future, allow us to work with you to develop and implement IR strategies, including redundancies, contracting, and restructuring to ensure you are on a journey that supports and delivers your long term strategy for your business.

INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS FOR SMALL BUSINESS

Industrial Relations Problems? Fix Them Before They Cost You Thousands.

From unfair dismissal claims and disciplinary processes to workplace investigations, underpayment concerns and Fair Work matters, AHR helps small businesses handle workplace issues properly — the first time.

  • Avoid costly Fair Work mistakes
  • Handle terminations and disciplinary matters the right way
  • Get expert support in investigations, disputes and workplace conflict

When workplace issues become urgent, process matters.

SMEs usually do not search for “industrial relations services”. They need help because something has gone wrong, a decision must be made, or a regulator has contacted them.

  • Someone did not show up again
  • You may have underpaid an employee
  • You need to terminate someone safely
  • Fair Work has contacted your business

COMMON WORKPLACE PROBLEMS

Are You Dealing With Any of These Right Now?

Industrial relations issues often start as everyday workplace problems. The earlier you handle them correctly, the easier it is to reduce risk and protect your business.

  • Worker not showing up or abandoning their job
  • Ongoing performance or behaviour issues
  • Unsure how to legally terminate someone
  • Received a Fair Work complaint
  • Underpayment or award confusion
  • Workplace conflict escalating

RISK AND CONSEQUENCES

Get It Wrong — And It Can Cost You

A rushed decision, poor documentation, unclear communication or missed process can turn a manageable workplace issue into a costly claim or dispute.

  • Unfair dismissal claims
  • Backpay and penalties
  • Legal and representation costs
  • Time lost dealing with regulators
  • Reputation and workplace culture damage

WHAT WE DO FOR YOU

Practical Industrial Relations Support That Protects Your Business

AHR steps in with clear advice, proper documentation and practical support so small business owners can make confident decisions.

Disciplinary & Termination Support

  • Run meetings properly
  • Prepare compliant documentation
  • Reduce the risk of claims

Workplace Investigations

  • Independent, structured investigations
  • Clear findings and documentation
  • Support implementing outcomes

Fair Work Representation

  • Support with claims and disputes
  • Prepare responses and documents
  • Protect your business position

Industrial Relations Advice

  • Step-by-step guidance
  • Real-time support when issues arise
  • Plain-English advice for SMEs

Award & Pay Compliance Reviews

  • Classification checks
  • Pay rate and entitlement review
  • Practical risk-reduction actions

Redundancy & Restructure Support

  • Genuine redundancy guidance
  • Consultation process support
  • Documentation and risk mitigation

HOW WE CAN WORK WITH YOU

Choose the Level of Support Your Business Needs

Some businesses need quick advice. Others need ongoing support or complete case management. AHR can support you at the level that fits the issue.

Option 1: Advice & Templates

For businesses that need clear direction and practical resources to handle early-stage issues internally.

Option 2: Ongoing Support & Guidance

For businesses that want expert support while they manage disciplinary matters, performance issues, award questions or workplace conflict.

Option 3: Done-For-You Case Management

For businesses that want AHR to handle the process from start to finish, including documentation, meetings, follow-up and risk management.

WHY SMALL BUSINESSES CHOOSE AHR

No Call Centres. No Confusing Legal Jargon. Just Practical Workplace Support.

One Point of Contact

Speak to the same expert, not a call centre. Get consistent support from people who understand your business.

Plain-English Advice

AHR translates complex HR, IR and compliance issues into clear steps small business owners can actually use.

SME-Focused Support

Local knowledge, national support and more than 100 years of combined experience across HR, IR and workplace matters.

PROOF AND PRACTICAL OUTCOMES

Helping Employers Resolve Workplace Problems Before They Escalate

Unfair Dismissal Risk Reduced

Helped a small business manage a termination process properly with clear documentation and structured communication.

Workplace Dispute Resolved Early

Supported an employer through a workplace conflict before it became a formal claim or wider business disruption.

Award Confusion Clarified

Reviewed classification and pay concerns so the employer could understand obligations and reduce future risk.

Workplace Issue Getting Complicated?

Get practical industrial relations advice before the issue becomes more expensive, stressful or risky.

Industrial Relations FAQs

Can I dismiss an employee immediately?

Sometimes immediate dismissal may be appropriate for serious misconduct, but employers still need to consider evidence, process, communication and documentation. Getting advice before acting can reduce risk.

What should I do if Fair Work contacts me?

Do not ignore it and do not respond casually. Gather relevant documents, understand the issue and get advice before providing a formal response.

What if an employee stops showing up?

Job abandonment still needs to be handled carefully. Attempt contact, document the process and avoid assuming resignation without following appropriate steps.

Do I need a workplace investigation?

If the issue involves bullying, harassment, misconduct, safety, complaints or conflicting accounts, a structured investigation may be needed before decisions are made.

Can AHR help before I terminate someone?

Yes. This is one of the best times to get advice. AHR can help plan the process, prepare documentation and reduce the risk of the decision being challenged later.