Your trusted partner for HR and employment law expertise

From tailored advice and compliance solutions to proactive strategies for managing workplace challenges, we provide personalised, hands-on support. Unlike call centres, our dedicated experts work closely with businesses to ensure protection, compliance, and growth. Your success is our priority.

Wearing too many hats?

Running a business means juggling countless responsibilities - HR doesn’t have to be one of them. Between managing people, staying compliant with ever-changing employment laws, and resolving workplace issues, it’s easy to feel stretched too thin. That’s where EWS comes in. Our tailored HR and Law solutions lift the load, so you can focus on growing your business with clarity and confidence. We handle the complexities—so you don’t have to.

We shine within these industries

We pride ourselves on being your dedicated partners in navigating the complex terrain of HR and employment law. We offer a comprehensive range of services to support your business in achieving compliance, resolving disputes, and fostering a harmonious workplace environment.

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Cleaning & Waste Services

Civil, Mining, Engineering

IT & Technology

Professional Consultancy Services

Health & Aged Care

Clubs & Hospitality

Manufacturers

Labour & Construction

Retail

Environmental

Hair & Beauty

Transportation

Personalised support

We believe in delivering a personal experience that fits your needs. Whether it’s an in-person visit (we’re always happy to come to you), a phone call, or a video meeting, our services are designed to provide expert support without limitations of distance or location.

We understand that every business operates differently, so we tailor our approach to suit you, ensuring seamless communication and practical solutions. Wherever your business is based, EWS is committed to offering flexible, hands-on support that helps your business thrive. Your success is our focus.

Representation

Enterprise Agreements

Workplace Bullying

General Advice

Policies

Harrassment

Human Resources

Workplace Investigations

Decades of Expertise, Proven Results

Scalability and Flexibility: Our business grows with our clients’ businesses. We offer unique retainer packages that grant clients the flexibility to choose and modify the services they need as their business evolves. This model offers both convenience and cost-efficiency, as clients use our services exactly as needed without unnecessary expenditure.

1,381

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53

Enterprise
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867

Training
workshops

14,266

General HR
advice

{EWS’ many years of experience and continuity of representation are one of their key strengths. Stress-free, great communication and, most importantly, great outcomes. I cannot endorse the team at EWS highly enough!

Craig Clark

General Manager,Cairns RSL Club

{Effective Workplace Solutions are a professional team of consultants with extensive experience. They have become our preferred provider for employment law and HR advice and support. They took the time to get to know how our business works and tailored their advice and services accordingly.

Mark Hamilton

HR Compliance Manager,Burleigh Bears Leagues Club

{ We have used Effective Workplace Solutions for the past nine years and have been extremely pleased with the service. I would recommend Effective Workplace Solutions to any business that needs advice in the ever changing world of Industrial Relations, Employment Law, Human Resources and related legislation.

Dale Hansen

CEO,Austbrokers Coast to Coast

{Effective Workplace Solutions has been our workplace relations advisor for many years. They have always provided a personalised, professional service and made a point of getting to know our club and business operations. Their advice has always been sound and practical, which has meant that we can make sensible decisions and have avoided costly court cases, while still achieving desirable outcomes.

Phil Kelly

General Manager,Kingscliff Beach Bowls Club

{Our workforce throughout Qld, NSW, and the ACT encompasses many senior roles through to junior casual roles within various shopping centres. We have always received practical, pragmatic, and well-considered advice that has allowed us to manage the team effectively and professionally. The service has always been prompt with expert and empathetic advice in accordance with current relevant legislations applicable to the various circumstances at a very competitive fee. I highly recommend their services.

Peter Coroneo

Chief Operating Officer,Leda Retail

{Our club has used Effective Workplace Solutions for many years. We used them to put a human resources strategy in place, which changed the workplace culture at the Wests Entertainment Group and significantly reduced the levels of disputes. They have always provided us with sound, professional, and practical advice for any employee relations issue.

Therese Brodbeck

Employee Relations Manager,Wests Entertainment Group (Tamworth)

{Our club engaged Effective Workplace Solutions for an enterprise agreement of employment terms and conditions to attract and retain good quality staff. Thanks to them, we won awards from the Federal Government for 'Innovation in Agreement Making' as well as the Clubs NSW 'Club of the Year' and the 'Human Resources Award for Excellence', and we are now an employer of choice in the Tweed and Northern NSW region. This could not have been achieved without their strategic advice, high level of professionalism, and innovative approach to workplace relations.

Guy Diven

General Manager,Murwillumbah Services Club

{We engaged EWS to assist us in establishing an enterprise agreement in response to successful tendering on the Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 Project. We are extremely appreciative of the expertise and assistance, including the navigation and dealings with the Fair Work Commission, unions, bargaining with staff, and development of the final approved enterprise agreement. The EWS team were very approachable, quick to respond, and very proactive, resulting in an approved enterprise agreement in a very short timeframe.

Simone Berryman

Financial Controller,SEEG Holdings Pty Ltd

{Whenever we need advice, support, or clarification on any human resources or industrial issue, Effective Workplace Solutions have provided prompt and practical advice.

Michael Young

Director,Tweed River Seafoods

{We are so grateful for the team from EWS, who delivered a comprehensive leadership program to our team. Our team gained the essential knowledge to understand and interpret the award, IR/HR-related topics, and ultimately sharpen their leadership skills. This workshop is highly recommended for any business aiming for strength and confidence in their leadership team, and to ensure continuity and accountability with their internal processes.

Peter Forsey

CEO,Redcliffe RSL

{I am highly impressed with Effective Workplace Solutions. Their team provide advice that is well-placed, diligent, and persistently excellent. They keep me informed every step of the way. They are easy to deal with, provide prompt replies and have very reasonable costs. EWS offer expert advice and I confidently recommend them.

Belinda Marrison

Marrison Hydraulics

{I have found Effective Workplace Solutions to be a great support and sounding board for all my industrial relations needs. It gives me confidence that I am looking after the needs of the business while ensuring employees get a fair go.

Rochelle Blakelock

Human Resources Manager,The Lion Richlands

{Effective Workplace Solutions has facilitated several training workshops for us including Anti Bullying & Harassment for all staff and Sexual Harassment Management & Mitigation for our management team. The easy access to an expert team has given us clarity around complicated HR issues and peace of mind that comes with knowing the club and our team are always on track with HR compliance.

Neale Genge

General Manager,Woodburn Evans Head RSL

{Effective Workplace Solutions ensure we are compliant and up to date with all of the latest policy and legislation changes while working towards the company’s requirements. They are an absolute pleasure to deal with and I would highly recommend them to any business.

Daniel Annand

Managing Director,Annand Electrical

{We have been a client of Effective Workplace Solutions for over eight years. The service, support, and attention to detail they provide to our business has been excellent. We know any advice we receive will be thorough, up to date, and delivered with the highest professionalism. The HR and IR support has allowed us to focus on growing our business with the assurance that this area of our business is in great hands.

Neil Shaw

Group General Manager,City Golf Club

{I would like to acknowledge and thank the team at EWS for the prompt and professional service provided to our workplace over recent months. The knowledge and delivery of information was of huge significance and assistance in navigating the services and support we required to update and align our employee documentation with current workplace legislation.

Sue Drefke

Crokers Fuel and Oils Pty Ltd

Daniel Hearn

Burleigh Bears Leagues Club

{As a bookkeeper and registered BAS agent, I take a great deal of comfort knowing that Effective Workplace Solutions (EWS) is on my side. Workplace law is an area which requires specialist advice, and I know that whenever I send clients over to EWS they are in the best possible hands. For my clients, this means peace of mind in the knowledge that their workplace relations obligations are being met, and they have experts on their team in the event of a workplace dispute. Thanks, EWS, for all that you do for us.

Brad Ferguson

Bookeze

Belinda Marrison

Marrison Hydraulics

{HR has always been a daunting aspect of operating our business. Outsourcing our HR to Effective Workplace Solutions is one of the best business decisions we have made! Initially assisting us with an employee redundancy, they have been extremely knowledgeable, professional, and efficient in all aspects. They supported us every step of the way throughout the employee termination process, ensuring we were compliant with employment law. Working with them minimised the stress throughout the process, allowing us to focus on work.

Tweed Sheetmetal Pty Ltd

{I would highly recommend the Effective Workplace Solutions team to any business that needs any type of HR / IR / ER support and advice; they have great flexibility to meet your individual needs.

Carolyn Dorfield

Director of HR,Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort

{Effective Workplace Solutions (EWS) has been a lifesaver for our hospitality venues. Whenever we faced performance or employee issues, they came to our rescue with expert assistance. The team have been professional, reliable, and efficient in handling every situation. Their training solutions have also been top-notch, providing us with valuable knowledge. We couldn't be happier with their continued support. EWS is the go-to for all our employment law needs.

Lisa Traynor

Group Operations Manager,SOPO

We are happy to share our knowledge

Federal Court decision in FWO v Woolworths & Coles: What employers need to know about annualised salaries and set-off arrangements

The Federal Court has delivered a landmark ruling in FWO v Coles & Woolworths, reshaping how employers can rely on annualised salaries and set-off clauses. The decision raises the compliance bar, confirms pay-period obligations, and highlights risks of underpayment. Employers should act now to review contracts, strengthen record-keeping, and upgrade payroll systems.

The First Day Effect: How Onboarding Shapes Everything That Follows

Hiring is only half the battle. Without structured onboarding, businesses risk compliance breaches, wasted leadership time, and disengaged employees. At EWS, we see too many new hires left to “sink or swim.” Onboarding done right protects your business, embeds culture, and accelerates productivity. Here’s how to strengthen compliance, culture, leadership, and efficiency — and turn onboarding into a real strategic advantage.

The Hidden Risks of “We’ll Fix HR Later”

When small businesses delay HR, it’s not just inefficient — it’s risky. In this article, we explore how legal changes, shifting employee expectations, and weak foundations can put your business at risk — and how Aussie Helpers built clarity and confidence without the corporate overkill. HR isn’t admin — it’s infrastructure.

Enough!! Sick of on hold music and being transferred

We offer a dedicated professional for your business, a single point of contact that understands your business and your needs.

Karen Arnold

Specialises in combining legal insight and HR expertise to steer complex businesses through risk, compliance, and high-stakes growth.

Greg Arnold

Specialises in unfair dismissals, general protections claims, negotiating enterprise agreements and navigating complex workplace disputes—bringing calm, structure and compliance to high-risk issues.

Jane Van Gulik

Specialises in streamlining HR systems and policies, making them practical, compliant and designed to prevent costly headaches.

Peter Norrie

Specialises in award interpretation, payroll compliance, workplace investigations, change management and HR strategy—helping highly regulated industries navigate complexity and stay compliant.

Stephanie Papadopoulos

Specialises in high-stakes workplace matters – navigating disputes, litigation, and industrial strategy with sharp legal precision.

Trust is earned

Local Focus and Community Engagement: Our business is deeply embedded in the community. While we focus on serving local clients in the Tweed Shire, Northern Rivers and Southern Gold Coast, we also have clients from the Daintree to Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and New Zealand. Both Greg and Karen actively participate in local business chambers and BNI, and we support local charities with their HR, either pro-bono or at significant discounts. This embeds our business within the community and enhances our local engagement.