The role of HR has changed
HR now sits at the centre of some of the most complex and high-risk areas of a business, from compliance and conduct to investigations, culture, and governance.
What was once a support function is now closely tied to risk, decision-making, and organisational outcomes. As expectations increase, the systems and support around HR have not always kept pace.
EWS works alongside your business to bring the structure, clarity, and legal expertise needed to manage these responsibilities with confidence.
Explore how EWS can support your business.
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.
Cleaning & Waste Services
Civil, Mining, Engineering
IT & Technology
Professional Consultancy Services
Dental and Orthodontic
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
Employment
contracts
53
Enterprise
agreements
867
Training
workshops
14,266
General HR
advice
We are happy to share our knowledge
Performance Management: What Employers Keep Getting Wrong
Performance management is often avoided until it’s too late. When handled poorly, it creates confusion, risk, and unnecessary escalation. This article explores the most common mistakes Australian employers make and how a more structured, early approach can change the outcome.
Payroll Remediation: From Error to Exposure – Rethinking Payroll Risk
Payroll remediation is no longer a back-office correction. In today’s regulatory climate, it is a matter of governance, executive accountability and reputational risk. As enforcement powers expand and penalties increase, boards are expected to treat payroll compliance with the same rigour as financial reporting. The real question is no longer whether payroll matters but whether your organisation has the assurance to stand behind its systems with confidence.
The Year Before Everything Changes: What the 2026 Future of Work Outlook Means for Your Organisation
2026 is not a year of prediction, it is a year of accountability. With regulatory reform accelerating, AI reshaping work, and psychosocial risk under scrutiny, organisations need to strengthen governance, documentation and manager capability before exposure becomes a dispute.
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.