This website applies only to residents and the law of New South Wales, Australia.

1. INTRODUCTION (continued)

1.3 Where can I get advice?

Your trade union

If you are a member of a trade union, contact your union. Unions provide their members with free, confidential advice and advocacy on industrial issues, including unfair dismissals, work conditions and wages, and other industrial disputes. As a member, you are entitled to receive assistance and support from union industrial officers. Your union may assist you by negotiating with your employer for your reinstatement and/or compensation, and act or represent you in an unfair dismissal claim. Some unions may be willing to assist you if you join up and pay union fees for a specific period in arrears or a fee for service. This will vary from union to union, but may prove a more cost effective option than the costs of a private solicitor and will ensure that you have access to your union in future.

Community Legal Centres, LawAccess or the Legal Aid Commission

If you are not a member of a union you can contact a community legal centre, or LawAccess or the Legal Aid Commission for free advice.

The Workplace Ombudsman (formerly the Office of Workplace Services)

The Workplace Ombudsman's responsibility is to ensure the rights and obligations of employees and employers under the new Workplace Relations Act 1996 (Federal system) are understood and enforced fairly.

Private lawyers

You can contact a community legal centre or the Law Society of New South Wales for referral to a private lawyer who offers advice in employment law. Private lawyers will generally charge fees for their services so make sure you get an estimate of costs before proceeding. Some private lawyers will offer the first appointment for free. Check this when making the appointment.

The registries of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission or the New South Wales Industrial Relations Commission

The registry (office) of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) or NSW Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) can also be contacted for assistance. Staff at both commissions can help you lodge your application and give you advice about the process of making a claim but they cannot give you advice about the likely success or otherwise of your case. You will need to discuss this with your union or a lawyer.

See Where to get help details at the end of this guide for contact details.