Explore Our Services and Insights

This page is where I try innovative ideas/ modules

Tom's Test Page

Tom's Test Page

Tom's Test Page

N

List Item

N

List Item

Industrial RelationsHR Anecdotes
man holding gray steel frame
Shaping Modern Australian Workplaces: A Detailed Journey Through Industrial Relations (1974-2024)

Shaping Modern Australian Workplaces: A Detailed Journey Through Industrial Relations (1974-2024)

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 with human understanding. After fifty years, the lesson is clear: trust, respect, and genuine dialogue remain fundamental.

HR AnecdotesIndustrial Relations
brown wooden crate on gray metal frame
The Great Shift: 50 Years of Australian Industrial Relations (1974-2024)

The Great Shift: 50 Years of Australian Industrial Relations (1974-2024)

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 evolution from rigid centralised systems to flexible enterprise arrangements. Yet one truth remains: successful industrial relations is always about people.

HR Anecdotes
Reflections from an HR Veteran: My Journey Through Five Decades of Change

Reflections from an HR Veteran: My Journey Through Five Decades of Change

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 thing hasn't changed: at its heart, HR has always been about people and their potential.

HR Anecdotes
a construction site with a crane
The Evolution of Mine Life: From Company Towns to FIFO

The Evolution of Mine Life: From Company Towns to FIFO

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 - it's still about people making a living from the earth, just with better technology.

HR Anecdotes
a very tall metal structure with a clock on it's side
Turning Crisis into Collaboration: A Coal Mine’s Transformation

Turning Crisis into Collaboration: A Coal Mine’s Transformation

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 confrontation. Sometimes your biggest crisis becomes your proudest achievement.

HR Anecdotes
selective focus photography of yellow and green papers
Paper to Digital: My Days at the Copper Refinery

Paper to Digital: My Days at the Copper Refinery

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 not a rock star without Workday, but back then, suggesting computerised records was revolutionary stuff!

HR Anecdotes
selective focus photography of typewriter keys
From Microfiche to Mayhem: My Early Days at the Public Service Board

From Microfiche to Mayhem: My Early Days at the Public Service Board

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 rapid rise even led to changing Queensland's Public Service Act. Not bad for someone who started out researching office machines for the library!

HR Anecdotes
human hand neon signage
The Power of a Handshake: How One Evening Changed My Career

The Power of a Handshake: How One Evening Changed My Career

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 Public Service Board. Sometimes the best career moves happen at a AHRI event.

HR Anecdotes
silhouette of buildings
From Rebel to Reformer: My First Days in HR

From Rebel to Reformer: My First Days in HR

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 building's now the Treasury Casino in Brisbane, which perfectly captures how far we've come in HR.

Employee RelationsIndustrial RelationsWorkplace LegislationWorkplace Transformation
red fireworks
WorkChoices: The Law That Changed Australian Workplaces Forever

WorkChoices: The Law That Changed Australian Workplaces Forever

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 workplace flexibility; others viewed it as an attack on workers' rights. Either way, Australian workplaces would never be the same.

LeadershipWorkplace Transformation
man holding incandescent bulb
The Future of HR: Where People Strategy Meets Digital Innovation

The Future of HR: Where People Strategy Meets Digital Innovation

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—we're orchestrating the future of work, building workplaces that are smarter, kinder, and more dynamic.

Industrial RelationsWorkplace Legislation
A group of construction workers working on a construction site
From Hard Line to Fair Go: Understanding Australia’s Fair Work Act 2009

From Hard Line to Fair Go: Understanding Australia’s Fair Work Act 2009

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 wasn't just new laws—it was a complete rethink of how Aussies work together.

Industrial RelationsWorkplace Legislation
black metal empty building
The Workplace Relations Act 1996: How One Law Reshaped Australian Working Life

The Workplace Relations Act 1996: How One Law Reshaped Australian Working Life

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 have real conversations about how to work together. It changed not just what we did, but how we thought.

Industrial RelationsWorkplace Legislation
six blue freight containers
The Great Shift: How Australia Moved from Centralised Wage Fixing to Enterprise Bargaining

The Great Shift: How Australia Moved from Centralised Wage Fixing to Enterprise Bargaining

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 profound shift from the old "one-size-fits-all" approach to a new era of flexibility.

Employee RelationsLeadershipWorkplace LegislationWorkplace Transformation
two women sitting at a table looking at a computer screen
The Sex Discrimination Act 1984: A Revolution That Transformed Australian Workplaces

The Sex Discrimination Act 1984: A Revolution That Transformed Australian Workplaces

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 changed. The Act didn't just alter workplace rules—it revolutionised how we think about equality, fairness, and opportunity.

Employee Relations
Managing Complex Employee Relations Issues: A Strategic Approach

Managing Complex Employee Relations Issues: A Strategic Approach

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 concerns while maintaining compliance with Australia's industrial framework. Success requires early intervention, consistent processes, and comprehensive documentation.

Remuneration and Benefits
A close up of a plant with lots of leaves
The Role of Remuneration in Employee Retention: Beyond the Pay Cheque

The Role of Remuneration in Employee Retention: Beyond the Pay Cheque

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 approach combining meaningful benefits, clear career progression, and recognition programmes—all tailored to diverse workforce needs and expectations.

Industrial Relations
brown dried leaves on sand
Leading Organisational Change in a Unionised Workforce: A Strategic Approach

Leading Organisational Change in a Unionised Workforce: A Strategic Approach

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 communication, organisations can successfully implement change while maintaining workforce stability. Success comes from balancing innovation with tradition, compliance with progress.

Remuneration and Benefits
a blurry image of a multicolored background
Developing a Competitive Executive Remuneration Strategy: A Modern Approach

Developing a Competitive Executive Remuneration Strategy: A Modern Approach

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 balance market competitiveness, performance alignment, risk management, and stakeholder expectations while adapting to emerging trends in corporate governance.

Industrial Relations
man holding gray steel frame
How to Navigate Complex Union Negotiations in High-Risk Industries

How to Navigate Complex Union Negotiations in High-Risk Industries

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 refinery discusses new shift patterns while maintaining 24/7 operations, success depends on thorough preparation, trust-building, and effective implementation.

Employee Relations
LEAP into Ikigai: Crafting a Life of Purpose and Fulfilment

LEAP into Ikigai: Crafting a Life of Purpose and Fulfilment

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 practical exercises and real-world examples to help you align personal values, professional goals, and lifestyle choices. Download the LEAP & Ikigai Self-Assessment Worksheet and take the next step towards a fulfilling career and life!

Employee Relations
silhouette of buildings
LEAP and the Net Will Appear: A Comprehensive Guide to Career and Life Planning

LEAP and the Net Will Appear: A Comprehensive Guide to Career and Life Planning

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 aspirations, ensuring that when you take the leap, the net will appear.

Employee Relations
a person holding an open book with a leaf on it
Discovering Ikigai: The Japanese Concept of a Fulfilling Life

Discovering Ikigai: The Japanese Concept of a Fulfilling Life

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 you toward a life that is both meaningful and joyful.

Leadership
man in blue long sleeve shirt holding smartphone
Building a Culture of Accountability: 3 Key Strategies for Empowering Teams

Building a Culture of Accountability: 3 Key Strategies for Empowering Teams

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 feedback, and balanced recognition, to help leaders foster accountability and drive sustained success in today’s complex business environment.

Leadership
a blurry image of a multicolored background
The Art of Adaptive Leadership: Navigating Change with Resilience

The Art of Adaptive Leadership: Navigating Change with Resilience

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 change with confidence, supported by practical examples, frameworks, and resources for further learning. Adapt and thrive in complexity.

Leadership
a close up of a board game with black and white balls
Mastering Leadership with 3 Effective Problem-Solving Approaches

Mastering Leadership with 3 Effective Problem-Solving Approaches

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 these strategies, leaders can drive collaboration, innovation, and success in any business context.

Employee RelationsIndustrial RelationsLeadershipWorkplace Legislation
brown and white eggs
Understanding the New Right to Disconnect: What C-Level Executives Need to Know

Understanding the New Right to Disconnect: What C-Level Executives Need to Know

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 clearly, and set expectations to enhance employee wellbeing, engagement, and productivity. Prioritise work-life balance to drive success.

Industrial RelationsWorkplace Legislation
Navigating Casual Conversion Under the Fair Work Act: A Guide for Employers (Updated with 2024 Changes)

Navigating Casual Conversion Under the Fair Work Act: A Guide for Employers (Updated with 2024 Changes)

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 respond within 21 days, and new dispute resolution mechanisms are in place. The definition of casual employment now emphasises practical reality over contract terms.

Industrial RelationsWorkplace Legislation
Secure Jobs, Better Pay: A Comprehensive Guide to the 2022 Fair Work Changes for Employers

Secure Jobs, Better Pay: A Comprehensive Guide to the 2022 Fair Work Changes for Employers

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 policies to foster a fair and legally compliant work environment.

LeadershipWorkplace Transformation
Change neon light signage
Navigating Change: How Australian Companies Can Manage Organisational Change Effectively

Navigating Change: How Australian Companies Can Manage Organisational Change Effectively

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 an opportunity for growth and how Peoplemix Consulting can help your business thrive.

Industrial Relations
a group of sparks flying through the air
Preparing for Enterprise Bargaining: Essential Steps to Ensure a Smooth Negotiation Process

Preparing for Enterprise Bargaining: Essential Steps to Ensure a Smooth Negotiation Process

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 assessment. Anticipate potential conflicts by reviewing past data and preparing evidence to address objections confidently.

Leadership
a wall with a drawing of a cartoon character on it
Top 10 Productivity Hacks for Entrepreneurs: Maximise Efficiency, Minimise Stress

Top 10 Productivity Hacks for Entrepreneurs: Maximise Efficiency, Minimise Stress

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 should know, from time-blocking and the Pomodoro Technique to mindfulness meditation and the Eisenhower Matrix. These strategies will help you reduce stress, sharpen your focus, and reclaim your time, allowing you to achieve more with less effort. Ready to take your productivity to the next level? Start with one of these hacks today and watch your efficiency soar!

Leadership
water ripple
Mindfulness Meditation for Entrepreneurs: Unlocking Focus and Reducing Stress

Mindfulness Meditation for Entrepreneurs: Unlocking Focus and Reducing Stress

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 behind mindfulness, its benefits for entrepreneurs, and practical ways to incorporate meditation into your daily routine. Whether you're new to mindfulness or looking to deepen your practice, these actionable tips will help you lead your business with clarity and calm. Discover how a few minutes of mindfulness each day can transform both your work and well-being.