Industrial Relations And Human Resource Management Advice

It’s a constant issue for employers in the community sector – the need to juggle the demands of clients, funding bodies, and community stakeholders - and still be a good employer getting the best from employees.   

Because we are dealing with a complex industrial system, and every employee is different, it’s easy for problems to start out simple but then become difficult.  That’s when you need professional advice.  The wrong advice can cost not just a lot of money, but also time, energy and the reputation of your service.  That is why Jobs Australia established CSIR.

Our expert Industrial Relations Advisers are familiar with the various Federal and State industrial relations systems, and understand the workplace culture in the community sector. They can:
 

• help you to meet your obligations as an employer; and

• work with you to find timely and effective solutions to any industrial relations or human resource problems that might arise. 

We specialise in the community sector, and Jobs Australia is a not for profit community organisation itself.  We understand the challenges faced by volunteer committees of management, managing on a shoestring, and community sector values.  CSIR is provided by Jobs Australia to all kinds of community organisations throughout Australia.

As a subscriber you will receive:
 

• Advice - a toll free 1800 telephone service for prompt free advice on any industrial relations or human resource issue, including hiring staff and formulating contracts, rates of pay, termination of employment, and other employment conditions;
   
• Representation of your organisation in negotiations on employment matters, such as performance management, unfair dismissal claims, and disputes (additional fees apply for labour intensive cases);
   
• Awards - a free copy of each award used by your organisation and associated pay tables and award updates when any award is varied;
   
• Updates - regular industrial relations bulletins to keep you informed of developments in the areas of industrial relations, and human resource management;
   
• On line access to our various industrial relations publications including the Disciplinary Action and Termination of Employment Guide and the Guide to Redundancy;
   

Consultancy Services

Most issues can be dealt with easily over the telephone. However, some issues are more complex and may need additional time for research or attendance at negotiations or tribunals. In these circumstances further charges and conditions do apply.
 

• Assistance with an industrial dispute or other advice requiring less than one hour of work will not attract any additional charge. All work or advice in excess of the first hour will be charged at the rate of $135 (incl GST) per hour.
   
• Representation at industrial tribunals on disputes such as unfair dismissal claims is $135 (incl GST) per hour. You will not be charged for travel costs or expenses.
   
• Consultancy advice including on subjects such as enterprise bargaining and HR policy development is $135 (incl GST) per hour for all time involved.
   

(Charges are applied in minimum units of 15 minutes.)

Training
 

• We provide a range of workshops and seminars on employment issues for community organisations.
   
• Our experienced advisers are also available to address conferences and network meetings on topical industrial and HR issues.
   

Eligibility

To be eligible to become a CSIR subscriber, you need to be a not for profit organisation in the non-government community services industry.

Fees

              Fees are subject to change from time to time

*(EFT) Effective Fulltime Staff 

** Discounted fee is available for organisations who are members of peak bodies including:
 

• Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS) and the State and Territory based Councils ACTCOSS, NCOSS, NTCOSS, QCOSS, SACOSS, TasCOSS, WACOSS and VCOSS
• ACE National Network Inc.
• Association of Neighbourhood Houses and Learning Centres (ANHLC)
• Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations
• Australian Youth Affairs Coalition
• Community & Neighbourhood Houses and Centres Association (CANH)
• Community Broadcasting Association of Australia
• Community Child Care Co-operative (NSW) Ltd
• Family Relationship Services Australia
• Federation of Community Legal Centres (VIC)
• Local Community Services Association (LCSA)
• National Association of Community Legal Centres
• Network Association of Competitive Employment
• Network of Community Activities (NSW)
• NSW Family Services Inc
• NSW Federation of Housing Associations Inc
• NSW Home Modification & Maintenance Services State Council
• Refugee Council of Australia
• Tasmanian Association of Community Houses Inc (TACH)
• UnitingCare Victoria & Tasmania
• Victorian Alcohol & Drug Association
• WA Learning Centre Link
• Youth Action & Policy Association
• Youth Affairs Network of Queensland (YANQ)

We welcome enquiries from other peak organisations concerning discount service charges for their members.

For further information regarding CSIR membership please contact us:

            Community Sector Industrial Relations Service

            PO Box 299

            Carlton South  VIC  3053

            Phone:  03 9349 3699

            Toll Free Number:  1800 060 098

            Fax:  03 9349 3655

            email:  ja@ja.com.au

Download the CSIR brochure.

Download the CSIR application form.