What a redundancy is, in plain terms
The Fair Work Ombudsman describes redundancy as when a business no longer needs your job to be done by anyone. It can follow new technology, falling sales, a closure, a relocation or a restructure.
Most awards and enterprise agreements require employers to consult before major workplace changes like redundancies. Under those terms the employer must, as soon as possible:
- notify the employees affected
- give clear information about the changes and their expected effects
- discuss ways to reduce the negative effects on employees
- consider employees' ideas and suggestions
Those consultation meetings are often where you hear about options, timeframes and any redeployment. They're worth having a clear record of.
How I help
- Before: a call to help you write down your own questions, such as dates, payments, leave and redeployment
- During: I sit with you, take notes, and ask for a pause or for something to be repeated
- After: a debrief straight away, and typed notes within 24 hours you can take to a union, adviser or lawyer
I don't negotiate your package or tell you whether to accept an offer. That's for you, with advice from your union, a lawyer or the Fair Work Ombudsman if you need it. I'll point you in the right direction.
When a redundancy isn't genuine
According to the Fair Work Ombudsman, a dismissal isn't a genuine redundancy if the employer still needs the job done, didn't follow the consultation requirements in the award or agreement, or could reasonably have offered you another job in the business or an associated entity. In that case you may be able to apply for unfair dismissal.
There's a strict 21-day time limit for unfair dismissal applications, counted from the day after the dismissal takes effect. Accurate notes from the consultation meetings can help an adviser understand what happened.
Several meetings? One person throughout
Redundancy processes often involve a first notice, one or more consultation meetings, and a final meeting. With ongoing support, the same person attends each one and keeps a running record, so nothing gets lost between meetings.
Last reviewed November 2026 by Dalia Croxton. General information only, not legal advice. For advice about your situation, speak to a union, Legal Aid Queensland, a community legal centre or a lawyer.