As a special counsel in Cooper Grace Ward’s workplace relations and safety team, Gemma brings over 10 years’ experience providing advice and representation to employers on employment, industrial discrimination and health and safety matters.
Gemma advises a range of clients across various industries, including retail, finance, early childhood and education, transport, and religious organisations, on issues such as compliance and duties under workplace health and safety legislation; unlawful discrimination and sexual harassment; the operation of employment contracts and restraint of trade provisions; independent contractor and employee distinctions; award and enterprise agreement applicability and provisions; dismissal risks and strategies; management of ill and injured employees; workers’ compensation claims; and general protections claims.
Having worked in both private practice and in-house roles, she understands the importance of providing practical commercial legal solutions for businesses.
In addition to her workplace relations and safety work, Gemma also advises religious organisations on complex church matters, and early childhood and educational institutions on education and child safety related matters and privacy law.
Industrial relations and employment relations
Education and early childhood
Religious organisations
The High Court of Australia’s decision in Qantas Airways Limited v Transport Workers Union of Australia provides more certainty regarding the application of adverse action in the Fair Work Act 2009 (Qld).
A $380,000 fine for Court Services Victoria demonstrates the consequences for employers who do not take steps to ensure their workplaces are conducive to the mental health of employees.
As a result of the recommendations in the Respect@Work report released by the Australian Human Rights Commission in 2020, Australia’s sexual harassment laws have undergone significant change, with the most recent amendment having taken effect from December 2023.
Cooper Grace Ward acknowledges and pays respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Fast, accurate and flexible entities including companies, self-managed superannuation funds and trusts.