In workplaces, what appears as ‘miscommunication’ often arises from hidden rules—unspoken assumptions that shape interactions. By surfacing these deeper influences through patient inquiry and active listening, leaders transform conflict into productive dialogue. When …
Industrial relations isn’t just about legislation—it’s about navigating human relationships through change. From managing Drayton’s 1997 restructure to building Yancoal’s workforce and creating CleanCo’s unified culture, the key has been balancing technical excellence…
From filing cabinets and typewriters in 1974 to today’s digital workplaces, Australian industrial relations has undergone a remarkable transformation. Through roles at Education Queensland, MIM Holdings, CIG Gases, and into the coal industry, I’ve witnessed the evolutio…
From a fresh graduate with a calculator in 1974 to mentoring tomorrow’s leaders today – what a journey through HR’s evolution! We’ve moved from shuffling papers to shaping futures, from typewriters to AI, from adversarial battles to collaborative partnerships. But one t…
Data tells us everything… except when it doesn’t. From boardrooms in Oman to mines in Australia, I’ve learned that future success needs both high tech and high touch. Modern HR isn’t about choosing between data and human connection – it’s about mastering both. The swe…
Try building a plane while flying it – that’s what creating CleanCo’s HR function felt like. Starting from scratch in a high-risk, heavily unionised environment, we needed everything from basic policies to complex union agreements, all while keeping the lights on. Somet…
Watch Australian mining evolve: from 8-hour shifts in company towns to 12-hour FIFO rosters in modern camps. We transformed not just how people worked, but how they lived. From local pubs being community hubs to air-conditioned control rooms running digital operations -…
Two phones sat on my desk – one for lawyers, one for building an employment centre. With coal prices halved overnight and 220 jobs at stake, I asked the unions, “Which call should I make?” While other mines faced 16-week strikes, we chose collaboration over confrontatio…
Picture this: 1981, walking into Copper Refineries, a subsidiary of then MIM Holdings – Australia’s largest company – to find HR still running on foolscap ledger cards. As the only degree-qualified HR person, my job was dragging us into modern times. These days, you’re …
From recommending microfiche systems for the State Library to analysing processes in the Homicide Squad – talk about a career curve! With Tom Tolhurst’s mentorship and a Governor’s Warrant in my hand as a Public Service Inspector, I learned about power and influence. My…
One evening at Perry Park changed everything. A chance meeting, a few handshakes, and suddenly my career took an unexpected turn. From a quick chat with Roly Livingstone to meeting Ted Love, then Leo Pitt and Ken Shea – three months later, I’d left Education for the Pub…
Imagine the irony: a former school rebel who’d been twice asked to leave for questioning authority, now working in the most hierarchical place imaginable – the Education Department’s Personnel Section. No computers, just old wooden desks and endless paperwork. That buil…
Picture Australia, 2005. John Howard’s government had just won control of both houses, and everything we knew about workplace relations was about to change. WorkChoices wasn’t just another law—it was a revolution that divided the nation. Some saw it as the dawn of wor…
Remember when HR just meant paperwork and policies? Those days are gone. Today’s HR is where human potential meets digital innovation, where AI helps us predict workforce needs while emotional intelligence drives real connections. We’re not just managing people anymore…
Remember 2009? As Australia shook off the GFC, something revolutionary happened in our workplaces. The Fair Work Act arrived, bringing a fresh approach to workplace relations. Gone were the complex rules of old, replaced by clear standards everyone could understand. It …
The Workplace Relations Act 1996 wasn’t just another law—it was the catalyst that transformed Australian workplaces forever. Gone were the days of phone book-sized awards and rigid rules about tea breaks. Instead, we entered an era where employers and employees could …
Imagine Australian workplaces where your pay was set by a distant tribunal, down to the last detail—even what you’d earn for working in the rain. Then came the 1990s revolution: enterprise bargaining. Suddenly, workplaces could negotiate their own deals, marking a pro…
Before the Sex Discrimination Act 1984, Australian workplaces were a different world. Women could be legally paid less than men, job ads boldly stated “males only,” and pregnancy meant possible dismissal. Then, with one pioneering piece of legislation, everything change…
Managing complex employee relations issues demands a strategic approach combining clear processes, fair implementation, and thorough documentation. In today’s evolving workplace, organisations must navigate challenges ranging from performance management to mental health…
In today’s tight labour market, effective retention strategies require a sophisticated approach to total rewards that goes well beyond base salary. While competitive pay remains crucial, successful organisations recognise that modern retention demands a holistic approac…
Managing organisational change in unionised environments demands more than standard change management approaches—it requires deep understanding of industrial relations and stakeholder dynamics. Through strategic planning, early union engagement, and transparent commun…
In today’s dynamic business environment, executive compensation isn’t just about competitive salaries—it’s about creating a comprehensive package that drives performance, ensures retention, and aligns with organisational goals. Modern remuneration strategies must bala…
In high-risk industries, union negotiations demand more than just bargaining skills—they require a deep understanding of safety protocols, regulatory compliance, and operational continuity. When a mining company faces negotiations during a safety overhaul, or an oil r…
LEAP into Ikigai: Crafting a Life of Purpose and Fulfilment
Explore how the LEAP model—Location, Environment, Aspirations, and Position—integrates with the Japanese concept of Ikigai. This comprehensive guide highlights their similarities and differences, offering p…
Taking a leap into the unknown can be daunting, but the LEAP model—Location, Environment, Aspirations, Position—offers a structured yet flexible approach to navigating career and life decisions. This guide explores how to align your choices with your values and aspi…
Ikigai, a Japanese concept meaning “a reason for being,” offers a path to a fulfilling life by balancing what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. This holistic approach can lead to deeper satisfaction and purpose, guiding…
Creating a culture of accountability is crucial for high-performing teams. It goes beyond setting expectations—it’s about empowering team members to take ownership of their roles. This article explores practical strategies, including clear goal setting, effective fe…
Adaptive leadership is essential in today’s dynamic business environment. This article explores key strategies: embracing uncertainty, engaging employees, and effective communication. Using the VUCA model, it outlines how leaders can foster resilience and navigate cha…
Effective leadership requires more than just decision-making—it’s about choosing the right approach for each challenge. The mutual problem solving, tell and listen, and tell and sell methods empower leaders to engage, refine, and implement solutions. By mastering th…
The new right to disconnect legislation in Australia empowers employees to refuse work-related contact outside of hours unless reasonable. For employers, it’s more than compliance—it’s about fostering a balanced work environment. Review your policies, communicate clea…
Recent changes to Australia’s Fair Work Act have reshaped casual employment rules. The 2024 updates introduce an “employee choice pathway” for casual conversion, allowing eligible employees to initiate the process after 6 months (12 for small businesses). Employers must…
Discover the key changes introduced by the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022 and what they mean for Australian employers. Learn how to ensure compliance with new rules on pay equity, job security, enterprise bargaining, and workplace pol…
Organisational change is inevitable in today’s dynamic business landscape. Learn how Australian companies can effectively manage change by fostering a change-ready culture, engaging employees, and overcoming common barriers. Discover strategies for turning change into…
Prepare for Success in Enterprise Bargaining
Before starting enterprise bargaining, evaluate its feasibility for your organisation. Engage key stakeholders early to align interests, define clear roles and responsibilities within your team, and conduct a thorough needs …
Entrepreneurship often feels like a race against the clock, with endless to-do lists and competing priorities. But productivity isn’t about working more hours—it’s about working smarter. In this blog post, we explore ten essential productivity hacks every entrepreneur…
In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, stress and burnout are common challenges. Mindfulness meditation offers a powerful solution, helping entrepreneurs improve focus, reduce stress, and make better decisions. In this comprehensive post, we explore the science be…
Learn how senior executives can effectively balance flexible work arrangements with maintaining productivity, collaboration, and organizational culture, ensuring business success in the evolving workplace.