About this Event
Most small business owners don't get employment law advice until something has already gone wrong, whether that's an unfair dismissal claim, an underpayment dispute, or a contractor arrangement that turns out to be non-compliant. By then, the cost in legal fees, compensation, and lost time can be significant.
This workshop gives business owners the practical, plain-English knowledge they need to get their employment foundations right from the start. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of their legal obligations when hiring and managing staff, the confidence to spot common compliance risks before they escalate, and actionable steps they can take immediately to protect their business.
With major legislative changes introduced under the Closing the Loopholes amendments now in effect, this session is particularly timely for any business that employs staff or engages contractors.
This practical workshop covers the employment law essentials that every small business owner, founder, and operator needs to understand when hiring and managing people. Delivered in plain English by an employment lawyer with over 12 years of experience (including roles at Bunnings Group and Bank of Queensland), this session cuts through the legal jargon and gives attendees real, actionable guidance they can apply straight away.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Employment contracts that protect your business: what to include, what to avoid, and the common mistakes that leave you exposed.
- Contractor or employee? How to get the distinction right and avoid the sham contracting risks that are catching out small businesses across Australia.
- The Closing the Loopholes changes explained: what has actually changed for small employers around casual employment, contractor definitions, and the right to disconnect.
- Managing underperformance and ending employment: how to handle difficult conversations and terminations lawfully, including the unfair dismissal protections that apply to small businesses.
- A simple compliance checklist: five things every business owner should review today to make sure their employment arrangements are in order.
TARGET AUDIENCE
Small business owners, founders, and operators who employ staff or engage contractors. This includes businesses at any stage, from those hiring their first employee through to established businesses with growing teams. It is also relevant for business owners who currently rely on contractors and want to make sure those arrangements are compliant. No legal background is required.
PRESENTER
Melita Demir, Founder and Principal Lawyer, Employment Essentials (On the Job)
Melita is an employment lawyer and senior workplace relations specialist with over 12 years of experience. She has held in-house roles at Bank of Queensland, Bunnings Group (58,000 employees across 350 sites), and Linfox Logistics, where she led enterprise bargaining, managed complex litigation, and advised on large-scale organisational change. Melita has also worked in private practice acting for commercial clients across various sectors and began her career as a Judge's Associate in the Federal Circuit Court's Industrial Division. She is a current presenter at the Queensland Law Society's Practice Management Course and is passionate about making employment law accessible and practical for small business owners.
https://businesshub.brisbane.qld.au/By registering for this event you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Brisbane Business Hub, Level 20 /, Brisbane City, Australia
AUD 0.00
