
Unfair Dismissal Support & Advice in Melbourne
Our dedicated team specialises in unfair dismissal cases and can help you protect your rights and get the justice you deserve.
Have You Been Unfairly Dismissed?
Dedication and hard work should be valued, but for many Australians, the reality is far from fair. Being called into a meeting only to be informed of a sudden dismissal, without warning or explanation is a distressing experience.
Unfortunately, this happens to thousands of employees each year. But If your termination was unjust or without due cause, you may have grounds to challenge it and protect your rights, even if you're a casual worker who's been unfairly dismissed.

What Our Clients Are Saying

What is Unfair Dismissal?
Unfair dismissal is when an employee is let go from their job in a way that’s deemed to be “harsh, unjust, or unreasonable” under Australian employment law. Section 385 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) spells out the criteria, including whether the dismissal was legitimate and whether the process used was fair. But what does “harsh, unjust, or unreasonable” really mean?
Harsh – When the dismissal seems overly severe given the employee’s actions or the situation. Maybe they made a small mistake, but the punishment doesn’t quite fit the crime.
Unjust – If the dismissal was based on unfair treatment, bias, or even discrimination, it could fall under this category.
Unreasonable – This happens when there simply wasn’t a valid reason for the dismissal, or if the employer didn’t give the employee an opportunity to respond to allegations, especially in cases of alleged unsatisfactory performance.
How we Can Help You With Your Unfair Dismissal Claim.
Our team of unfair dismissal experts understand both the emotional and legal aspects of these cases and are ready to support you every step of the way.
Free Consultation
Many people hesitate to seek help because they think it’ll be expensive. We start with a free consultation to understand your situation and assess the likelihood of a successful unfair dismissal application.
Case Assesment
Our unfair dismissal experts will examine the details of your case, seeing if you meet the criteria for unfair dismissal under the Fair Work Act, including whether your employment relationship and employment contract have been properly respected. We also assess any applicable enterprise agreements that might impact your dismissal rights.
Documentation Preparation
A strong case requires solid documentation. We help you gather and organize the necessary documents, from termination letters to performance reviews.
Representation & Negotiation
If your case proceeds, we’ll represent you before the Fair Work Commission and negotiate with your former employer, ensuring that your rights are defended and your voice is heard.
Eligibility Assessment
The duration of the unfair dismissal process can vary widely. It often depends on the complexity of the case and the procedures involved. On average, it can take several weeks to months to reach a resolution.

Claim Your Free HR Support Call
Get a free consultation with a HR expert that will help you solve your current HR challenges.
Free HR Support CallThe Close Consulting Difference.
Our services are designed for everyday Australians who are grappling with the complexities of unfair dismissal and need trusted support to navigate their next steps. Whether you’re a full-time employee, part-time worker, or even in a casual role, we understand that the challenges of dismissal affect people from all backgrounds. Our service is similar to an unfair dismissal lawyer, but often cheaper and simpler.
We work with professionals across a wide range of industries — retail, hospitality, healthcare, office environments, and beyond. With the strict 21-day deadline to file an unfair dismissal claim in Australia, time is critical, and seeking early consulting and legal advice can make a significant difference in achieving a fair outcome.
Flexible Fee Structure
We’ll make sure to handle the details of your case, making sure everything is in order before any discussions or negotiations.
Big and Small Cases
Conciliation, a meeting where both parties try to reach an agreement, is often the first step in unfair dismissal claims
Boutique and Personalized
We help explore settlement options with your employer, working to negotiate a fair and satisfactory outcome without the need for formal hearings.
Our Unfair Dismissal Process
Find answers to common questions about our HR consulting and unfair dismissal services.
Case Management
We’ll make sure to handle the details of your case, making sure everything is in order before any discussions or negotiations.
Conciliation Support
Conciliation, a meeting where both parties try to reach an agreement, is often the first step in unfair dismissal claims.
Settlement & Negotiation
We help explore settlement options with your employer, working to negotiate a fair and satisfactory outcome without the need for formal hearings.
Confidential and Trusted Service
We respect your privacy and keep all matters confidential, creating a safe space for you to address your concerns.
Your HR Team
Meet the dedicated professionals behind your success.
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I established Close Consulting in 2007 as a small, boutique practice providing HR generalist advice to small business owners and individuals in Melbourne. In line with our growth over the past 13 years, we now provide specialised, professional and customer-focused advice across a wide variety of industries including aviation, higher education, retail, aged care and health.

Cameron brings a wealth of experience to Close Consulting following an extensive career in the Technical, Quality and Production Management fields within the construction and civil engineering industries. Advancing from cadet to manager required identifying growth opportunities. Cameron provides leadership, project management and technical capability coupled with strategic overview to time critical projects.
Unfair Dismissal FAQ's
Find answers to common questions about our HR consulting and unfair dismissal services.
What law governs unfair dismissal in Australia?
The Fair Work Act 2009 is the cornerstone of unfair dismissal law in Australia. It protects employees by ensuring they cannot be dismissed without a valid reason. Under this act, employees who believe they’ve been unfairly dismissed can apply to the Fair Work Commission for a remedy.
What is the threshold for unfair dismissal in Australia?
Employees need to meet certain conditions to lodge an unfair dismissal application. They must be employed for at least the minimum employment period, earn below the income threshold, and not be engaged as casual employees unless they’ve had regular, predictable hours.
What is the average payout for unfair dismissal in Australia?
Payouts for unfair dismissal vary depending on the case. Compensation could be as high as six months’ wages or capped at 26 weeks of pay, with the exact amount determined based on factors like lost earnings and the likelihood of finding new employment.
What are the reasons for dismissal in Australia?
Legitimate reasons for dismissal include serious misconduct (like theft or violence), poor performance (with prior warnings), and genuine redundancies. Dismissals lacking valid grounds or proper procedure might qualify as unfair. A genuine redundancy occurs when the job is no longer needed and the employer has followed fair procedures, including exploring other positions in the company. Additionally, we verify that the proper notice period was given as required by law. Keep in mind dismissals based on discriminatory factors such as marital status or mental disability are unlawful. In exceptional circumstances, you may need to pursue legal action if unfair dismissal claims alone don’t suffice to achieve a fair resolution.
Is it difficult to get fired in Australia?
Australian law provides considerable protection for employees, making it harder to be fired without valid reasons or due process. However, some employers may still attempt to bypass these protections, which is where legal advice can be crucial.

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