Who we are
We are trusted consultants who provide expert, unbiased, workplace investigation and workplace relations services.
What we do
Our services include:
Workplace Investigations, Preliminary Assessments, Cultural Reviews and Workplace Investigation Support Services
We undertake objective and fair workplace investigations (including the preparation of comprehensive reports with findings and recommendations).
Our investigations are thorough and adopt a trauma-informed approach, particularly where they relate to investigations of a sensitive nature. We also accept instructions from law firms to undertake investigations for clients subject to Legal Professional Privilege.
Where appropriate, we conduct cultural reviews (or workplace enquiries) to assist employers identify underlying workplace conflict or tensions and provide written reports containing guidance and recommendations about how best to address those issues.
Additionally, we provide preliminary assessment services to assist employers who may not be certain whether a workplace investigation may be the appropriate response to an incident and who may need guidance regarding other approaches that may be available.
Our workplace investigation support services are unique in that they are open to any individuals who may be involved in a workplace investigation undertaken by a third party and may need guidance or assistance with the investigation process. These services are only available to either a complainant or a respondent to a particular investigation but not both (as this would result in a conflict). They include assisting complainants with formulating a formal written complaint or assisting respondents with responding to allegations and preparing for interviews. We are also able to participate in formal interviews with complainants or respondents as their support person.
Unfair Dismissals and Workplace Disputes
Drafting and drawing relevant applications and responses relating to employment disputes in relevant tribunals, including submissions, witness statements and evidence in preparation for hearings, advocacy at hearings and attendances at conciliation conferences and mediations in relation to:
• Unfair Dismissal proceedings (including Jurisdictional Hearings), Anti-Bullying and Sexual Harassment proceedings and Adverse Action proceedings in the Fair Work Commission
• Discrimination and sexual harassment proceedings in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal
• Negotiating settlements of workplace disputes, including reviewing and drafting of settlement agreements.
Workplace Advice & Assistance
General workplace advice and assistance, including in relation to the following matters:
• Reviewing and drafting contracts of employment, policies and procedures
• Reviewing independent contracting and labour hire arrangements
• Restructures, transfers of business and redundancies
• Interpretation of Modern Awards and Enterprise Agreements
• Advice about workplace rights and entitlements
• Assistance regarding injured or ill employees
• Negotiating settlements of disputes
• Drafting separation agreements and releases
Other Workplace Related Services
Our services include:
• Conducting workplace audits to ensure compliance with the Fair Work Act 2009, Modern Awards, Enterprise Agreements and other employment obligations; and
• General education, training and mentoring regarding Australia’s workplace laws and systems and conducting workplace investigations.
Our Experience and Points of Difference
Our principal, Costa Brehas, has 25 years’ experience as a practising lawyer, the majority of which relates to employment law. However, we are not a law firm and do not provide legal services.
One of the key reasons for our business operating as a workplace relations consultancy is to keep our costs as low as possible which we are able to then pass on to our clients in the form of reasonable rates.
We also offer fixed fee options for all of our services so that our clients can be assured that they will know exactly what our fees will be at different stages of our work.
For further information, please see our website www.workplacewatchdogs.com or contact Costa Brehas directly on 0408 003 797.
We are trusted consultants who provide expert, unbiased, workplace investigation and workplace relations services.
What we do
Our services include:
Workplace Investigations, Preliminary Assessments, Cultural Reviews and Workplace Investigation Support Services
We undertake objective and fair workplace investigations (including the preparation of comprehensive reports with findings and recommendations).
Our investigations are thorough and adopt a trauma-informed approach, particularly where they relate to investigations of a sensitive nature. We also accept instructions from law firms to undertake investigations for clients subject to Legal Professional Privilege.
Where appropriate, we conduct cultural reviews (or workplace enquiries) to assist employers identify underlying workplace conflict or tensions and provide written reports containing guidance and recommendations about how best to address those issues.
Additionally, we provide preliminary assessment services to assist employers who may not be certain whether a workplace investigation may be the appropriate response to an incident and who may need guidance regarding other approaches that may be available.
Our workplace investigation support services are unique in that they are open to any individuals who may be involved in a workplace investigation undertaken by a third party and may need guidance or assistance with the investigation process. These services are only available to either a complainant or a respondent to a particular investigation but not both (as this would result in a conflict). They include assisting complainants with formulating a formal written complaint or assisting respondents with responding to allegations and preparing for interviews. We are also able to participate in formal interviews with complainants or respondents as their support person.
Unfair Dismissals and Workplace Disputes
Drafting and drawing relevant applications and responses relating to employment disputes in relevant tribunals, including submissions, witness statements and evidence in preparation for hearings, advocacy at hearings and attendances at conciliation conferences and mediations in relation to:
• Unfair Dismissal proceedings (including Jurisdictional Hearings), Anti-Bullying and Sexual Harassment proceedings and Adverse Action proceedings in the Fair Work Commission
• Discrimination and sexual harassment proceedings in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal
• Negotiating settlements of workplace disputes, including reviewing and drafting of settlement agreements.
Workplace Advice & Assistance
General workplace advice and assistance, including in relation to the following matters:
• Reviewing and drafting contracts of employment, policies and procedures
• Reviewing independent contracting and labour hire arrangements
• Restructures, transfers of business and redundancies
• Interpretation of Modern Awards and Enterprise Agreements
• Advice about workplace rights and entitlements
• Assistance regarding injured or ill employees
• Negotiating settlements of disputes
• Drafting separation agreements and releases
Other Workplace Related Services
Our services include:
• Conducting workplace audits to ensure compliance with the Fair Work Act 2009, Modern Awards, Enterprise Agreements and other employment obligations; and
• General education, training and mentoring regarding Australia’s workplace laws and systems and conducting workplace investigations.
Our Experience and Points of Difference
Our principal, Costa Brehas, has 25 years’ experience as a practising lawyer, the majority of which relates to employment law. However, we are not a law firm and do not provide legal services.
One of the key reasons for our business operating as a workplace relations consultancy is to keep our costs as low as possible which we are able to then pass on to our clients in the form of reasonable rates.
We also offer fixed fee options for all of our services so that our clients can be assured that they will know exactly what our fees will be at different stages of our work.
For further information, please see our website www.workplacewatchdogs.com or contact Costa Brehas directly on 0408 003 797.
