Fearless Advocacy for the Working Movement

Industrial Relations and Collective Rights

Hall Payne Lawyers advocates for the rights of workers and unions across Australia. From disputes in the Fair Work Commission to landmark High Court cases, we provide expert legal support that protects workplace rights, advances fair outcomes, and strengthens the collective voice.

Understanding Industrial Relations and Your Rights

The relationship between employers, employees and unions, influences how workplaces function day to day. Industrial relations encompasses pay, conditions, safety standards and the right to organise collectively. From enterprise bargaining and right-of-entry disputes to ensuring that workplace health and safety obligations are met, the outcomes can have wide-reaching consequences for everyone involved.

Hall Payne Lawyers works alongside unions and employees to protect and advance these collective rights. We provide decisive representation in disputes, clear advice to unions and delegates, and strong advocacy in tribunals and courts. Whether it’s defending your rights in court or supporting industrial action, we stand with workers and unions to make sure your voice is heard.

Experienced Representation for Complex Disputes

Industrial matters require clear strategy and strong advocacy. Our team is ready to stand with you at every level of the Australian legal system.

Clarity on Collective Workplace Rights

Industrial relations matters are often time-sensitive and highly technical. These answers provide clarity on how we support unions and workers in collective disputes.

What types of industrial disputes do you handle?

We manage the full spectrum of collective matters, including disputes over enterprise bargaining, protected action ballots, and right-of-entry issues. We also represent clients in complex litigation regarding the enforcement of awards and industrial agreements and other industrial law matters.

Yes. Hall Payne Lawyers has a historic bond with the union movement, built on decades of partnership. We provide strategic advice on organisational rules and governance, as well as representation in large-scale industrial litigation to protect your members’ interests.

Protected industrial action is a legal tool used during bargaining that must meet strict criteria under the Fair Work Act. We provide the legal oversight to ensure compliance, protecting workers and unions from the risks of unprotected action. This is a critical part of the enterprise bargaining process, where meeting procedural requirements ensures your collective voice remains legally protected.

If your organisation is facing prosecution by a regulator, we provide strong legal representation to protect your interests. We can also help you put the right systems in place to ensure your industrial practices comply with current laws. 

They are often linked. A collective dispute might involve issues of workplace discrimination or other workplace issues such as redundancy. We ensure that your industrial strategy accounts for these overlaps to protect both the individual and the collective interests of your members.

When the Stakes Are High, We Stand With You

When industrial issues escalate, you need a partner who understands the movement. We’re here to ensure your collective rights are protected.

Our People

Meet the Industrial Relations Team

Luke is recognised as one of Australia’s leading employment lawyers, with 24 years’ experience advising executives, unions and employees across complex employment, industrial relations, defamation and professional conduct matters.
Joseph specialises in employment and industrial relations, using his expertise to advocate for employees and unions and drive positive legal outcomes that address inequality and injustice.
Luke Tiley is an Accredited Workplace Relations Law Specialist and Principal at Hall Payne, recognised nationally for his work advocating for employees and trade unions across complex industrial, discrimination and employment matters.
Dale is a Principal Solicitor recognised for his work with unions and not-for-profits, bringing standout expertise in governance, regulatory compliance and industrial litigation
Elyane is a Principal Solicitor with 20 years’ experience specialising in industrial and employment law, enterprise bargaining and workers’ rights, with a strong focus on empowering clients and promoting social justice.
Henry is an employment and industrial lawyer with a strong union background and a commitment to access to justice, advocating for workers and individuals against large organisations while contributing to pro bono community legal services.
Juliana is a Principal Solicitor specialising in health and employment law, known for guiding health and other professionals through regulatory investigations with practical, compassionate support while protecting their careers and reputations.
Charlotte has a trade union background, fuelling her passion to advocate for workers’ rights, navigate complex workplace disputes, industrial matters and related criminal law issues with dedication and strategic insight.
Mark brings extensive union experience from his time as National Lawyer and National Secretary of the RTBU and a track record of handling complex employment disputes and advocacy at the national level.
Meghann Papa advocates for employees’ rights with a strong commitment to social justice shaped by her upbringing and experience in the trade union movement.
Jennifer draws on experience across family, property and commercial litigation to guide workers through stressful employment disputes with clarity, calmness and practical problem solving.
Alexandra draws on experience as an Associate in the Federal Court to advocate for clients in employment, industrial relations and criminal matters across Queensland courts and the Fair Work Commission.
Jessie blends a background in geology with hands-on legal experience to present complex employment law issues in a clear, accessible way for workers treated unfairly at work.
Ben combines his experience as a federal court associate with his background in philosophy and socio-legal studies to advocate for workers’ rights and fair labour practices.
Shania brings strong litigation and advisory experience to workplace matters, helping clients understand their rights with clarity, compassion and clear guidance
Sebastian is a solicitor specialising in employment and industrial law, with a passion for social justice and advocating for workers’ rights, particularly within migrant communities.
Ignat combines his expertise as a registered nurse and lawyer to support health practitioners and other clients with employment, industrial and regulatory matters.

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