Stephen Oliver

Why HR cannot serve both employees and employers equally

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Jolasers Investigations recommends against HR internal investigations

Human resources departments often face a big challenge. They must protect the company while also helping staff. This can lead to significant friction when problems happen in the workplace. The danger of bias in a workplace investigation is a big worry. HR people work for the company. So, they tend to protect it more than … Read more

Procedural Fairness in Melbourne: Lessons from 2026 FWC Rulings

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Procedural Fairness & FWC Rulings Maintaining procedural fairness remains a cornerstone of Australian employment law. It ensures that staff and employers operate within a balanced framework during a dismissal. Proper conduct ensures that organisations avoid legal penalties while protecting the rights of every person involved in a contract, particularly when engaging in expert Melbourne workplace … Read more

How the 2026 Fair Work NES Review Impacts Workplace Investigations

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Focus on HR

National Employment Standards (NES) Review 2026 A significant regulatory shift is underway for Australian organisations. On 28 November 2025, the House of Representatives Standing Committee launched a major examination of the National Employment Standards. This comprehensive assessment aims to determine if current entitlements remain fit for purpose. It focuses on the changing nature of work … Read more

Comprehensive Compliance Investigation Standards in Australia

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Melbourne workplace investigations front office

The Reality of Modern Business: Organizations across Australia face increasing scrutiny around workplace investigations today. In fact, the stakes have never been higher. Consequently, a single misstep in an investigation can expose your business to substantial legal liability, unfair dismissal claims, and reputational damage that takes years to repair. Compliance investigation standards provide the vital … Read more

Shield or Sieve? Navigating Legal Privilege in Australian Workplace Investigations.

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Close-up of a perforated bronze shield revealing privileged workplace investigation documents, representing the FWC dominant purpose test in Australia

In the complex ecosystem of Australian industrial relations, the workplace investigation has long been a critical tool for resolving conflict, addressing misconduct, and mitigating risk. However, recent developments in March 2026 have sent a clear message to HR professionals and business owners: the traditional “shield” of legal professional privilege is more porous than many once … Read more

Independent HR Investigations in Echuca

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Independent HR Support for Echuca and Moama businesses

Part of our Echuca & Murray Region Investigation Hub. For HR Managers and People & Culture leaders in the Murray Region, deciding whether to investigate a workplace grievance internally or outsource it requires a delicate balance. Initially, keeping matters “in-house” seems cost-effective. However, the hidden costs of investigating your own colleagues—bias accusations, time drains, and … Read more

Sexual Harassment / Harassment Investigations Echuca

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Independent HR Support for Echuca and Moama businesses

Part of our Echuca & Murray Region Investigation Hub. Sexual Harassment Investigations & Prevention: Echuca The rules have changed for every employer in Victoria. With the recent amendments to the Sex Discrimination Act introducing a Positive Duty to prevent sexual harassment, business owners in Echuca and Moama can no longer just “react” to complaints—they must … Read more

Workplace Misconduct Investigations In Echuca & Moama

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Independent HR Support for Echuca and Moama businesses

Part of our Echuca & Murray Region Investigation Hub. In the tight-knit business community of the Murray Region, the discovery of internal misconduct can be devastating. It is the breach of trust that hurts the most. Whether it is inventory theft in a manufacturing hub, cash handling discrepancies in a High Street café, or safety … Read more