The HR Cartel Podcast

(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wage theft laws now criminal, and Fair Work actively targeting businesses, it’s more important than ever to ditch outdated beliefs and get real about compliance.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

(060) The SME of 2025: Thriving in a High-Regulation, High-Risk Era

Tim discusses the challenges, and opportunities, small and medium-sized businesses will face in 2025. With a high-regulation, high-cost environment on the horizon, Tim outlines what businesses must prioritize to not only survive but thrive.
From the critical importance of compliance in light of new wage theft laws, to strategies for employee retention, engagement, and leveraging technology, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Tim also challenges listeners to rethink workplace flexibility and remote working, and emphasizes the power of being proactive rather than reactive in this rapidly changing landscape.
Tim leaves listeners with a powerful question to reflect on: "How prepared is your business to adapt to the challenges of a high-regulation, high-cost environment without compromising your growth?"
Don’t miss this essential conversation that equips small business leaders with the tools and mindset they need to navigate 2025 successfully.

(059) Wage theft traps that most SMEs are likely committing right now.

In this episode, we dig into the latest developments in wage theft and compliance for small to medium-sized businesses. With the Fair Work Ombudsman set to enforce new, stricter wage theft laws from January 2025, Tim shares insights on how employers need to prepare, highlighting potential risks and liabilities for business owners, HR teams, and even individual managers.
We break down a recent podcast from the Fair Work Ombudsman’s team and challenge the notion that small businesses are adequately equipped to manage complex compliance requirements alone. Tim stresses the importance of proactive communication, compliance audits, and understanding technical breaches, urging businesses to address these issues now to avoid severe penalties in the new year.
A must-listen for employers navigating Australia's intricate compliance landscape, this episode offers both caution and practical advice for securing your business against the risk of wage theft allegations and more.
 
Anna Booth (FWO Podcast Episode) - Don't Be Afraid Of New Wage Theft Laws | Business Essentials Daily Podcast
 

(058) Work from home injuries & compensation pay outs

Tim Dive delves into a new legal case that holds employers liable for employees’ injuries while working from home. He explores how this decision reshapes the risks of flexible and remote work arrangements and warns that vague policies and unchecked “work-from-anywhere” setups will certainly leave businesses vulnerable. Tim shares practical tips for employers to safeguard themselves by creating detailed policies on work-from-home protocols and managing liability. Tune in to learn how to protect your business in the evolving landscape of remote work!
www.hrcartel.com 

(057) Fair Work's Target Industries for 2025 Revealed!

In this latest podcast episode, Tim Dive breaks down key findings from the Fair Work Ombudsman’s latest reports, highlighting the industries that will face significant scrutiny in 2025. He emphasizes the need for businesses, particularly those in hospitality, aged care, and construction, to focus on wage compliance as wage theft criminalisation laws come into effect. He also touches on average full-time salaries across different age groups and offers benchmarking strategies for businesses looking to stay competitive and compliant in the new year.
visit the HR Cartel at www.hrcartel.com or email the podcast at thehrcartelpodcast@gmail.com 

(056) How the CFMEU’s Aggression Backfired: A Leadership Breakdown

This episode of The HR Cartel podcast dives into the ongoing saga, death threats, and situation with the CFMEU and its recent controversies, with a particular focus on leadership and behaviour within the union. Tim shares his insights on the union’s aggressive tactics, how it affects the construction industry, and discusses the broader implications of the CFMEU's conduct, including threats against public figures. The episode emphasizes the need for reasonable dialogue and better conduct within the union movement, advocating for balance and sensible practices that support workers without resorting to intimidation.