The Times Australia

5 Tips for Dealing with Wrongful Termination



Losing your job is stressful under any circumstances, but when you believe you’ve been unfairly dismissed, the experience can be particularly distressing. Wrongful termination occurs when an employer breaches employment laws or a contract when dismissing an employee. If you suspect your dismissal was unjust, it’s important to understand your rights and the steps you can take to protect yourself. Seeking advice from employment lawyers is often the first step towards resolving the situation and potentially securing compensation or reinstatement. Here are five tips for dealing with or launching a wrongful termination dispute.

Understand What Constitutes Wrongful Termination

Before taking action, it’s important to determine whether your dismissal was, in fact, wrongful. In Australia, wrongful termination typically refers to a breach of contract or unlawful dismissal under the Fair Work Act. This can include being fired due to discrimination, retaliation for whistleblowing or without the proper notice outlined in your employment contract.

Keep in mind that not all unfair dismissals are considered wrongful under the law. For instance, being let go due to poor performance or redundancy may be lawful if proper procedures are followed. Employment lawyers can help assess the circumstances of your dismissal and determine if your employer has acted unlawfully.

Gather Documentation & Evidence

If you believe you’ve been wrongfully terminated, start by collecting all relevant documents. This includes your employment contract, performance reviews, emails, text messages, payslips and any written communication relating to your dismissal. Detailed records can be invaluable when building your case. Write down a timeline of events leading up to your termination, noting any incidents that may support your claim, such as complaints made to HR, changes in treatment after raising concerns or discriminatory remarks. Employment lawyers will use this information to assess the strength of your case and guide you on the best course of action.

Seek Legal Advice Promptly

Time is critical when dealing with wrongful termination. In most cases, you have just 21 days from the date of dismissal to lodge an unfair dismissal claim with the Fair Work Commission. Consulting with experienced employment lawyers as soon as possible ensures you won’t miss this window. A lawyer can explain your options, including whether you may be entitled to compensation, reinstatement or other remedies. They can also represent you in negotiations or legal proceedings, giving you the best chance of a favourable outcome.

Consider Alternative Dispute Resolution

Litigation can be time-consuming and costly, so it’s worth exploring alternative methods of resolving your dispute. Mediation or conciliation through the Fair Work Commission allows both parties to discuss the issue with the help of an impartial facilitator. This process can often lead to a mutually agreeable resolution without the need for a formal hearing. Employment lawyers can assist you in preparing for mediation and ensure your interests are represented throughout the process.

Protect Your Future Employment Prospects

While it’s important to address a wrongful termination, it’s equally vital to think about your future. Avoid speaking negatively about your former employer publicly, as this could harm your professional reputation. Focus on finding new opportunities and consider how you can frame your departure in a professional and truthful way during interviews. If you’ve engaged employment lawyers, they may be able to negotiate a positive reference or a neutral statement of service as part of your settlement.

Final Thoughts

Being wrongfully dismissed is never easy, but understanding your rights and taking prompt, informed action can make a significant difference. With the support of skilled employment lawyers, you can navigate the process confidently and work towards a fair resolution.

Times Magazine

Building an AI-First Culture in Your Company

AI isn't just something to think about anymore - it's becoming part of how we live and work, whether we like it or not. At the office, it definitely helps us move faster. But here's the thing: just using tools like ChatGPT or plugging AI into your wo...

Data Management Isn't Just About Tech—Here’s Why It’s a Human Problem Too

Photo by Kevin Kuby Manuel O. Diaz Jr.We live in a world drowning in data. Every click, swipe, medical scan, and financial transaction generates information, so much that managing it all has become one of the biggest challenges of our digital age. Bu...

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

The Times Features

Flipping vs. Holding: Which Investment Strategy Is Right for You?

Are you wondering whether flipping a property or holding onto it is the better investment strategy? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Both strategies have distinct advantages a...

Why Everyone's Talking About Sea Moss - And Should You Try It Too?

Sea moss - a humble marine plant that’s been used for centuries - is making a major comeback in modern wellness circles. And it’s not just a trend. With growing interest from athle...

A Guide to Smarter Real Estate Accounting: What You Might Be Overlooking

Real estate accounting can be a complex terrain, even for experienced investors and property managers. From tracking rental income to managing property expenses, the financial in...

What Is the Dreamtime? Understanding Aboriginal Creation Stories Through Art

Aboriginal culture is built on the deep and important meaning of Dreamtime, which links beliefs and history with the elements that make life. It’s not just myths; the Dreamtime i...

How Short-Term Lenders Offer Long-Lasting Benefits in Australia

In the world of personal and business finance, short-term lenders are often viewed as temporary fixes—quick solutions for urgent cash needs. However, in Australia, short-term len...

Why School Breaks Are the Perfect Time to Build Real Game Skills

School holidays provide uninterrupted time to focus on individual skill development Players often return sharper and more confident after structured break-time training Holid...