The HR Cartel Podcast

(070) No More Non-Compete: What Happens When Employees Can Walk Away With Your Business?

"The Non-Compete Chaos & What It Really Means for Small Business"
In this episode of The HR Cartel Podcast, Tim Dive delivers a raw and unfiltered breakdown of the recent and proposed workplace legislation changes that could drastically shift how small and medium-sized businesses operate in Australia. From the alarming plans to outlaw non-compete clauses to the ever-growing influence of unions, this episode cuts through the noise to ask one key question: who is really protecting the employer?
Tim dives into:
The true implications of removing non-compete clauses
How small businesses are left exposed while trying to protect their people, clients, and intellectual property
The shocking rise in regulatory red tape and union power
Why the “right to disconnect” law was a pointless move
What employers must start doing to protect their business and stay compliant
What this all means ahead of the next federal election
If you’re a business owner or leader in Australia, this is the episode you cannot afford to miss.

(069) The Real Cost of Compliance and Admin Burden Crushing Employers Right Now

In this episode of The HR Cartel Podcast, Tim breaks down the real impact of the current Labor government’s workplace law reforms. Small and medium businesses are facing an unprecedented compliance burden, extra admin, higher operational costs, and serious risks for directors and managers. Tim cuts through the noise to show you exactly what’s changed, why it matters, and how it’s affecting business owners, leaders and managers. If you lead an Australian business with under 200 employees, this is for you.
💡 Learn how to protect your business, your board, and yourself in this new era of compliance.🎧 Tune in for practical advice and no-nonsense insights.
 
Access membership benefits now, go to https://www.hrcartel.com/join-the-cartel
 
 

(068) Standing Down Employees & Other Options during TC Alfred

With Tropical Cyclone Alfred looming off the coast, businesses across Queensland and Northern NSW are scrambling to prepare—not just for the storm, but for the workforce challenges that come with it.
In this audio-only, remote episode of The HR Cartel Podcast, Tim Dive cuts through the confusion surrounding stand-down provisions, temporary shutdowns, and employer obligations during extreme weather events. With misinformation circulating, many business owners are unsure of their rights and options when it comes to managing their workforce in unpredictable conditions.
What you'll learn in this episode:
✔️ Stand-down vs. Temporary Shutdown – What’s the difference?✔️ Do you have to pay employees during a weather-related closure?✔️ What legal risks should employers be aware of?✔️ Practical steps to protect your business & workforce in emergencies.
 
If you're a business owner wondering what to do when disaster strikes, this episode gives clear, no-BS advice to keep your business compliant and protected.
 
go to www.hrcartel.com to become a HR Cartel member. 

(067) Successful or Barely Surviving? The Scorecard That Could Change Your Business Forever

In this episode of The HR Cartel, host Tim Dive discusses the evolving workplace compliance landscape in Australia. With the increasing complexities of regulations and the growing administrative burden on small and medium-sized businesses, Tim discusses the critical need for businesses to shift from mere compliance to strategic success.
He explores:
The Fair Work Commission's shifting dynamics, including the impact of leadership changes and union influence.
How businesses can protect themselves from new laws and legal risks.
The importance of leadership development, workforce training, and mentoring future leaders.
Why small and medium-sized businesses need an internal workplace success scorecard to measure more than just compliance.
Tim introduces the SME Workplace & Business Success Scorecard, a proactive tool designed to help employers benchmark performance, leadership strength, and operational sustainability—ensuring businesses thrive, not just survive.
Join the conversation and discover why staying ahead of regulations isn’t enough—you need a strategy to grow, adapt, and lead in today’s compliance-heavy environment.
For access to the HR Cartel membership and exclusive tools like the Workplace Success Scorecard, visit www.hrcartel.com.

(066) The Critical Choices Facing Small & Medium Business Owners in 2025

As we charge into 2025, the challenges for Australian small and medium-sized businesses continue to grow. In this episode of The HR Cartel Podcast, host Tim Dove breaks down the key decisions business owners must make to stay ahead in an increasingly complex and high-risk environment.
From the criminalisation of wage theft to skyrocketing labour costs, stricter compliance requirements, and economic uncertainty, businesses are facing a landscape that demands proactive adaptation. Tim discusses:
HR & IR Compliance Risks – How new laws, including wage theft criminalisation, are increasing liability for business owners.
Rising Business Costs & Economic Pressures – The impact of labour cost increases, cash flow constraints, and supply chain disruptions.
Workforce Strategy & Talent Retention – Addressing skill shortages, mental health risks, and flexible work challenges.
Digital Transformation & Automation – Where technology can streamline operations and where it might not be worth the investment.
Government & Policy Changes – How ATO debt collection, superannuation increases, and regulatory shifts could impact your business.
Business Model Adaptation – Is your current offering still fit for the market, or is it time for a strategic shift?
Building Business Resilience – Planning for economic downturns, protecting reputation, and ensuring financial stability.
With so much at stake, this episode provides essential insights and practical advice to help business owners navigate 2025 with confidence.
Tune in now and ensure your business is prepared for the road ahead.
For expert HR and IR support, visit www.hrcartel.com and join the HR Cartel today.

(065) Risk Free Employee Terminations & Cutting Cost

Is there such a thing as a risk-free termination? Not exactly—but there are smarter, safer ways to approach it. In this episode of The HR Cartel Podcast, Tim Dive breaks down the termination types that carry the least risk for employers, from probation periods and the Small Business Fair Dismissal Code to redundancies and high-income earners.
But that’s not all. With small and medium-sized businesses under immense pressure—rising costs, regulatory overload, and insolvencies hitting record highs—Tim also unpacks how businesses can cut workforce costs strategically to avoid administration while staying compliant with Australia’s heavily regulated employment laws.
Key takeaways:✅ How probation periods really work (and why they’re misunderstood)✅ The Small Business Fair Dismissal Code—what it actually protects you from✅ Redundancies before and after the one-year mark—who gets paid, who doesn’t✅ The high-income threshold ($175K+)—and why it gives employers a huge advantage✅ The step-by-step process for cost-cutting through strategic terminations
If your business is facing financial strain or you need clarity on making tough decisions without legal blowback, this episode is a must-listen.
🔗 Want ongoing expert guidance? Apply to join The HR Cartel and get access to IR updates, compliance resources, and expert advice. Visit www.hrcartel.com.
🎧 Listen now and future-proof your business!
 
Small Business Fair Dismissal Code - https://www.fwc.gov.au/what-small-business-fair-dismissal-code 

(064) Busting the Biggest Myths About Small Business in 2025

Welcome back to The HR Cartel Podcast, and welcome to 2025, the most compliance-heavy, regulator-driven era we’ve ever seen for small and medium-sized businesses in Australia.
In this episode, we're busting some of the biggest small business myths that are holding owners and leaders back, including some that could cost you big money, land you in legal trouble, or even shut you down.
Think small businesses don’t need HR systems? Think again. Believe employees care as much as you do? They don’t, and that’s okay. Assume you won’t get sued? Small businesses are being taken to court every single day.
With 26+ employment law changes, wage theft laws now criminal, and Fair Work actively targeting businesses, it’s more important than ever to ditch outdated beliefs and get real about compliance.
I’ll also explain why small businesses are actually better at innovation than corporates, why you can’t do it all yourself, and how to avoid being the next target of regulators, unions, or the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Listen in now, and let’s get your business ready for 2025.
Subscribe, share, and follow for more no-nonsense insights to keep your business protected.
Want expert advice? Join The HR Cartel Membership Portal for exclusive insights, compliance updates, and real-world HR support: www.hrcartel.com.

(063) Wage Theft: Fines & Jail Time - Are You Ready?

Welcome to 2025, where wage theft is now a criminal offense! In this episode of the HR Cartel Podcast, Tim dives deep into the newly implemented Wage Theft laws under the Fair Work Act. With potential fines reaching millions and the looming risk of jail time, Tim breaks down the Voluntary Small Business Wage Compliance Code to help employers understand what’s required to stay on the right side of the law.
From avoiding underpayment pitfalls to staying proactive with audits and reliable advice, this episode is packed with insights and practical tips for small and medium-sized business owners. Tim also highlights how the HR Cartel Platform can support businesses navigating these complex changes.
Don’t miss this critical discussion as Tim shares real-world scenarios, actionable advice, and his signature no-nonsense take on employment law compliance in Australia.
🎧 Tune in and ensure your workplace stays ahead of the curve!
 
Link to the Code: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/about-us/compliance-and-enforcement/criminal-prosecution/voluntary-small-business-wage-compliance-code?ref=employmentlawhandbook.com.au 
 

(062) 2024: Unions self-destructed, SMEs barely survive, we need an election in 2025.

In this episode of the HR Cartel Podcast, host Tim Dive takes a reflective look at 2024, a year he describes as "historic" for workplace relations in Australia. Tim dives deep into the seismic shifts driven by union advancements, legislative overhauls, and the unexpected unraveling of the modern union movement. From the challenges small and medium businesses face in navigating complex laws to the critical role SMEs play in driving innovation and growth, Tim shares his unfiltered insights and hopes for 2025. Plus, he introduces the HR Cartel platform, a game-changer designed to empower SMEs. Don’t miss this compelling episode packed with industry insights and actionable takeaways.
Express interest in becoming a HR Cartel member in 2025! https://www.hrcartel.com/join-the-cartel 

(061) Unions Unleashed: A Wake-Up Call for Australians & Small Businesses

In this episode of the HR Cartel podcast, Tim dives headfirst into the current state of union activities in Australia and the impact they have on small and medium-sized businesses. From multi-employer bargaining to the Woolworths saga, Tim dissects how unions' actions are driving up costs, complicating regulations, and exposing the true colours of the labour movement.
With a passionate and no-holds-barred approach, Tim highlights how recent union moves—like their push for 41 new amendments and solidarity pickets—are holding not just businesses but everyday Australians hostage. This is a must-listen for business owners navigating the high-risk industrial landscape of 2025 and beyond.
Tune in to hear Tim's bold takes, his call for business owners to push back, and practical advice on how to protect your business from the fallout of aggressive union tactics. Plus, don't miss exciting updates about the all-new HR Cartel platform designed to empower small and medium-sized businesses.
Website: www.hrcartel.com