The HR Cartel Podcast

(095) - While Regulators & Unions go ballistic, AI is rescuing Aussie Employers.

Tim Dive hosts a no-holds-barred episode covering a fresh joint ATO and Fair Work Ombudsman crackdown on contracting arrangements, the industries under scrutiny (construction, road transport, cleaning, IT and more), and how sham contracting risks are being pursued.
He also discusses rising AI disruption and union demands, the push for work‑from‑home rights, and Australia’s energy vulnerabilities, plus practical next steps, a webinar link and how to contact the HR Cartel for help.
www.hrcartel.com/contact or Phone 07 5651 0066 to speak to our advice team. 
HR Cartel Contractor Webinar recording - https://streamyard.com/42metdgbsbaqjjnt
FWO and ATO Joint Press Release - Targeting contractor Arrangements - https://www.fairwork.gov.au/newsroom/media-releases/2026-media-releases/march-2026/20260313-sham-contracting-media-release 
 
 

(094) How to design your team to grow, not explode

Before you hire anyone else, listen to this episode! Tim explains how small and growing businesses should approach organisation design using strategy as the guide, why it matters, and when to act.
The episode highlights common growth milestones (5, 10, 15, 25, 50+ employees), tells you how to spot problems (broken communication, duplicated roles, shared accountabilities), and contrasts functional versus divisional structures.
Practical advice covers future workforce modelling, identifying skill gaps, protecting customer experience during growth, and simple next steps to avoid expensive restructures.
 
Show Links: 
Join our next free webinar! https://streamyard.com/watch/wfKsCZp9qugp 
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(093) Top 3 Threats That Will Blindside Employers in 2026

Tim Dive outlines the top risks Australian employers should prepare for in 2026, focusing on AI being used by employees in disputes and investigations, growing contractor and sham‑contracting exposure, and the rise in Fair Work claims and flexible working disputes.
He offers practical advice on record‑keeping, when to settle versus fight, the high‑income opt‑out for contractors, and urges employers to seek experienced HR/IR support to manage compliance and reduce risk.
 
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(092) Massive Shift in Leadership Style A Must in 2026 - Here's Why.

Host Tim Dive explains the shift that has occurred over the previous 4 years, and why Leadership styles must change to support small businesses dealing with individual-employee-centered issues, created by new regulations and positive duty obligations.
He outlines five human elements leaders must consider, Physical, Psychological, Social, Philosophical and Capability, and offers practical advice on one-on-one leadership, flexible systems, and family-friendly workplaces. The episode also includes a member shout-out to Eden Retreat - check the links for more. 
 
Member Shout Out - Eden Retreat - www.eden.com.au 
 
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(091) 2026 HR Alert: The Fall of DEI, compliance, and political IR games

Tim makes 3 bold predictions for 2026; DEI will die, the ALP and Unions will continue their rampage on the IR framework to win back popularity, and HR Consultants will try to convince us all they’re leadership experts.
The December 2025 tragedy has resulted in most of the nation finally admitting its government is lacking significant capability. The failures in the IR portfolio are becoming visible everywhere, and the ALP now has two years to win back support.  
What does this mean for workplaces, HR and IR? More change, upheaval and chaos, with a growing cohort of “HR Experts” that are finding themselves ill-equipped to assist employers handling the fall out.
Follow us on our links to get updates and snippets of gold. 
 
Show notes: 
Gender Pay Gap Myth - Senate Enquiry Clip https://youtu.be/tQnUCY-b9U8?si=GJ5VpXo_487kiZfw 
 
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(090) 2025 In Review & What to Expect in 2026

Episode 90 reviews the year and outlines major workplace risks ahead for employers, focusing on wage theft legislation, Fair Work Ombudsman actions, and mounting payroll compliance challenges.
Tim discusses upcoming changes, Payday Super, the NES review (including potential reproductive leave and reduced work hours), the rise in compliance burdens, and how businesses may respond with redundancies, offshoring, and technology.
Practical steps and cautionary examples are offered for small and medium businesses to prepare for investigations, undertakings, and the shifting relationship between unions, government and industry in 2026.
 
Show links: 
Donations to the ALP: https://donation.watch/en/australia/party/ALP/donors 
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(089) Australian Industrial Relations: The Slow Erosion of Business Autonomy

In this episode of The HR Cartel Podcast, we lift the lid on the quiet war being waged against small and medium-sized business owners across Australia. From absurd legal decisions to bureaucratic red tape and a national narrative that assumes employers are always the villain, the warning signs are everywhere.
We break down what’s happening in real-time: how workplace tribunals, regulators, courts, and unions are moving in lockstep, whether intentionally or not, to stack the odds against you. I talk about the fear, the silence, and the slow erosion of business autonomy as employers get buried under complexity, suspicion, and ever-tightening control.
This isn’t about scaremongering. This is about recognising the pattern, so you don’t become the next one to get caught off guard by a regulator, sued by a casual, or publicly dragged for doing the right thing, but not doing it perfectly.
If you run a business, employ people, or advise those who do, this episode is a wake-up call. Because whether it’s workers’ comp, casual conversion, sham contracting accusations, or tribunal overreach… the noose is tightening.
 
www.hrcartel.com 
Tim Dive speaking at the International Small Business Summit - Gold Coast - "Why we need IR Reform" - Small Business Association of Australia - Get Your Ticket Here 
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(088) Paul Doherty on Building Business & Navigating Challenges in Australia

We chat at length with HR Cartel Member, Founder & Director of PD Project Delivery, Paul Doherty. We discuss the realities of starting a business, building a team, and the difficulties of the changing "Director" role every business owner faces with growth and success. We discuss the amazing opportunities all people in Australia have at their fingertips, and what kind of attitude passion and drive is needed to succeed in the workplace and in business. 
Show Links: 
Paul Doherty LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-doherty-69501249/ 
PD Project Delivery Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pdprojectdelivery/ 
PD Project Delivery Website: https://pdprojectdelivery.com/ 
The HR Cartel Business Luncheon with Dominique Lamb - Bowen Hills Brisbane 20 November 2025 - Free to attend - REGISTER HERE 
Tim Dive speaking at the International Small Business Summit - Gold Coast - "Why we need IR Reform" - Small Business Association of Australia - Get Your Ticket Here 
Join the Cartel! - https://www.hrcartel.com/join-the-cartel
Book a Session with The HR Cartel here - https://www.hrcartel.com/book-online 
 
 

(087) Is it now impossible to be an Aussie employer, without breaking the law?

We answer the question: Is it now impossible to be an Aussie employer, without breaking the law? 
The answer is frightening. 
We also discuss some of the most recent absurdities, like an employee receiving Qld Long Service after working just 11 days in the State AND being declined for it in Victoria. 
A summary and clarity on the $1B underpayment issue for Coles and Woollies and what it means for the rest of us. 
Plus some more ridiculousness we all need to know. 
Want to Join the Cartel? Of course you do! https://www.hrcartel.com/join-the-cartel 
Want to book in a IR or HR consulting session with the Advice team? https://www.hrcartel.com/book-online 
How about a copy of our IR forecast? https://www.hrcartel.com/2025-industrial-relations-forecast 
 

(086) Not Even BHP Can Survive Australia's IR System; What About SMEs?

Australia’s workplace rules just changed and the cost for small business is about to skyrocket.Tim breaks down award wage hikes, the court ruling that makes annual salaries unpredictable, and why BHP’s 750 job cuts are a warning sign for every SME. Get the steps you must take now to protect your business before the next wave of IR changes hits.
 
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Download our Free Industrial Relations Forecast: https://www.hrcartel.com/2025-industrial-relations-forecast 
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Korn Ferry Wage Gap Analysis: https://www.kornferry.com/au/insights/are-your-hr-leaders-ready-for-pay-transparency#:~:text=%E2%80%9CWe%20still%20see%20a%20big,The%20ROI%20on%20Pay%20Transparency