Employment Practice (BUHRM3706)

Employment relationships take place within the broader context of the political, economic, legal and social environments. This course focusses on these relationships by reference to the legal and regulatory environment in which they take place. The course highlights the rights and obligations of employers, employees and independent contractors with regard to their employment/engagement in and by organisations. Hence, contemporary employment practices, including the `gig economy' are considered by reference to the underpinning law of employment. The regulatory environment is explained by reference to the relevant Federal and State legislation alongside common law principles.While the legislative coverage is squarely on the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), other statutes dealing with employment are considered, inclusive of anti-discrimination legislation. In addition, State legislation remains tangentially covered in areas of workplace injury involving occupational health and safety laws. The common law that underpins employment relationships both in the context of common law duties and contracts are reviewed. In addition, the common law related to negligence and vicarious liability are explored in the context of liability arising from injury from employment. As employment remains predicated upon agreement, the common law contract is explored insofar as the outcomes it offers as a legal basis of rights. This discussion of contract law leads to other related contract discussions pertaining to unfair contractual terms, unfair employment practices and the termination of employment. Lastly, in the context of termination of employment, unfair and unlawful termination feature after a discussion of reasonable notice and summary dismissal.

For further information regarding the course please refer to the Course Outline found at the following link (PDF, 194kB).

Credit point 15
EFTSL 0.125
Band4(GF3)

Commonwealth supported place (CSP)

A CSP is subsidised by the Australian Government and students pay a contribution amount. Each unit is classified into a student contribution band, depending on the study area of the unit (this discipline may be different from the study area of your course).

2024 contribution amount* - $2,040
2024 contribution amount - continuing student who commenced before 1 Jan 2021* - $1,597

* for Clinical Psychology (Clin Psych) & Professional Pathways (Prof Path) bands the contribution amount is determined by accredited course. Students in Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, Professional Pathway Psychology or Professional Pathway Social Work accredited courses should visit our CSP page for further information.

Note: The Job-ready Graduates Package introduced new funding clusters and contribution amounts from the 2021 academic year. If you are a continuing student who commenced before 1 January 2021 studying units in disciplines with increased contribution amounts, you will continue paying the same amount (indexed each year) as you would have. For further information visit the Australia Government's Study Assist website.

Domestic Full Fee-paying

These places are offered for postgraduate studies or to CSP ineligible students and tuition fees are not subsidised by the Australian Government. Domestic postgraduate tuition fees are course-based annual fees and the unit fee you pay will vary according to the degree you are studying. To find out more about domestic tuition fees and view the relevant fee schedule visit our fees website.

International Full Fee-paying

International tuition fees are course-based annual fees and the unit fee you pay will vary according to the degree you are studying. To find out more about international tuition fees and view the relevant fee schedule visit our fees website.

Semester census dates

It is important to check unit delivery details including location and census date, prior to making decisions about enrolment. Detailed semester and census date information can be found on the Important Dates page.