Advice
Basic initial advice to help you understand the issue and consider your next steps.
What is employment law?
Employment law concerns rights and responsibilities at work. Questions may involve pay, leave, employment conditions, dismissal, bullying or discrimination. Your employment status and the rules that apply to your workplace can affect your options.
Employment problems may involve a contract, an award or other workplace rules. The right pathway depends on the issue and your circumstances. Seek help promptly after a dismissal because short deadlines may apply, even if you are still talking with your employer.
Questions we can discuss
- Understanding an employment contract or letter.
- Questions about wages, leave or conditions.
- Identifying an issue following dismissal.
- Finding a regulator or specialist employment service.
How we may help
- Provide basic introductory assistance for workers.
- Help identify the employment issue and documents relevant to it.
- Discuss options for further advice and specialist employment referrals.
- Assess any further assistance case by case, depending on suitability and resources.
What level of assistance can we offer?
We assess each matter individually, taking account of its suitability and our available resources. An enquiry or appointment does not guarantee ongoing assistance or representation.
Referral
Information about another legal or support service when specialist help is needed or we cannot assist.
Further assistance
A specific legal task or ongoing casework may be available, decided case by case and subject to resources.
What we do not do
- Commercial or business matters.
- Conveyancing, real-estate transactions and property ownership disputes.
- Personal injury claims and WorkCover.
We do not provide WorkCover or personal injury assistance, or commercial advice to employers. Ongoing employment casework and representation depend on individual assessment and resources.
Prepare for your appointment
- Bring your employment contract, payslips and relevant correspondence.
- If your employment ended, have the date available.
- Bring letters or messages explaining the decision and any deadlines.
Talk to us
Contact Southport Community Legal Service to discuss an appointment.
Call 03 9646 6066, 0490 934 661 or 0440 131 920.
Email [email protected].
Further information
This page provides general information. Ask for advice about your own circumstances. Information reviewed September 2026.