Employment law

Local governments face particular challenges and must meet specific requirements relating to employment law matters. At McLeods, our team of employment lawyers work alongside local governments across WA, assisting with a broad range of employment matters that affect their operation.

employment law

Our employment lawyers have a thorough understanding of the unique responsibilities and risks associated with local government employment law issues. We understand that for a local government, these issues are often complicated, requiring a sensitive and confidential approach.

As part of our practice, our employment lawyers invest time in understanding the specificities of each matter so that we can provide our clients with tailored and practical solutions to their particular circumstances. We are committed to responding quickly and proactively to the full spectrum of employment law issues that our clients face.

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Our areas of expertise

Recruitment and contracts of employment

recruitment and contracts of employmentWe have extensive experience in drafting professional employment contracts for CEOs and other local government employees, ensuring compliance with State and Federal legislation. Neil Douglas was recently engaged jointly by WALGA and LG Professionals to draft model employment contracts for CEOs and for senior employees. These models are now being used by local governments throughout the State.

Workplace relations issues

workplace relations issuesWith 40 years of experience in the industry, our team of government employment lawyers understands the complexities of workplace relation legislation specific to WA. We provide advice and assistance to local governments throughout the state on workplace relations matters such as:

  • employee benefits and leave entitlements;
  • management of employee grievances;
  • management of poor employee performance;
  • investigation and dealing with misconduct and inappropriate workplace behaviour;
  • negotiating mutually acceptable outcomes for employee and employer, and drafting appropriate documentation such as settlement agreements.

Industrial relations negotiations

industrial relations negotiationsMcLeods is frequently trusted by local governments to assist with the processes involved in industrial relations negotiations. Our team is particularly experienced with interpreting and drafting of enterprise agreements suitable to a client’s specific situation. We have assisted clients with:

  • reviewing current agreements;
  • developing and implementing negotiation strategies;
  • ensuring negotiation processes comply with legal requirements;
  • handling claims made by unions and other representatives;
  • dealing with unlawful industrial action;
  • drafting enterprise agreements;
  • navigating the processes involved in the approval of a negotiated agreement.

Equal opportunity legislation

equal opportunity legislationWe have helped numerous local governments comply with the legislative and ethical obligations that affect employment. Our services span from providing robust advice to briefing and training to ensure fair and ethical treatment of employees and protection from potential claims that may arise as a result of unfair treatment.

In the case that claims of discrimination are made, our team can assist with advice and representation services, enabling local governments to achieve the best possible outcome. Members of the McLeods team have been crucially involved in several landmark equal opportunity cases, including: representing the City of Perth before the Equal Opportunity Tribunal; acting as counsel for the City of Geraldton to defend an allegation of political discrimination; and acting as counsel for the Health Department of Western Australia in a major case to defend a series of allegations in the Equal Opportunity Tribunal.

Work Health and Safety Services

occupational health and safety legislationMcLeods has been providing specialised Work Health and Safety advice, education and assistance to local governments throughout WA for many years. We have advised and acted for local governments including the City of Stirling, City of Melville, Shire of Capel and City of Bayswater for a wide range of matters such as Workplace Improvement Notices and investigations by WorkSafe WA.

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Key Personnel

Neil Douglas

Neil Douglas

Partner

Elisabeth Stevenson

Elisabeth Stevenson

Consultant

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