Resources for employers and employees
Below is a variety of information that may assist employers and employees in the workplace, including avenues to resolving problems and accessing legal assistance.
Australia
The Australian Government Fair Work Ombudsman is an independent statutory body that offers free assistance to all workers and employers in Australia on a wide range of issues. Visit their website www.fairwork.gov.au or phone on 13 13 94 for more information.
Pay, leave and conditions calculator tools: https://calculate.fairwork.gov.au/
Employment conditions: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/employment-conditions
Unpaid work / trials: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/starting-employment/unpaid-work
Student placements: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/starting-employment/unpaid-work/student-placements
Resolving workplace problems: https://www.fairwork.gov.au/workplace-problems
Legal advice services
Legal services can be accessed from a variety of organisations, and may be free if eligible: https://www.fwc.gov.au/apply-or-lodge/legal-help-and-representation/where-find-legal-help
Health complaints commissioner
These independent and impartial bodies can assist consumers and service providers manage a complaint, and understand your rights and responsibilities in providing or receiving a health service. Find the link to the organisation in your state or territory here: https://www.sonographers.org/resources-tools/government-professional-standards-and-complaints-mechanisms
New Zealand
Employment New Zealand, a public sector body, provides practical employment information to employers and employees. They can be contacted via their website employment.govt.nz/about/email-us/ or by freephone on 0800 20 90 20 (or +64 9 969 2950 if outside New Zealand)
Employment New Zealand provide resources on a range of employment topics including:
Starting employment: including trial periods and types of employment agreements, https://www.employment.govt.nz/starting-employment/
Hours and wages: https://www.employment.govt.nz/hours-and-wages/
Resolving problems between employers and employees: https://www.employment.govt.nz/resolving-problems/
Workplace policies: including employee performance, and health and safety https://www.employment.govt.nz/workplace-policies/
Unions and bargaining: https://www.employment.govt.nz/starting-employment/unions-and-bargaining/
Free mediation services: for employers and employees, including:
Early Resolution Service https://www.employment.govt.nz/resolving-problems/steps-to-resolve/early-resolution/
Employment Mediation Service https://www.employment.govt.nz/resolving-problems/steps-to-resolve/mediation/
Legal help and other avenues to resolving an issue at work
The New Zealand Government provides information on ways to resolve a workplace issue https://www.govt.nz/browse/work/workers-rights/when-you-have-a-problem-at-work/
This includes accessing free legal advice through community law centres where eligible.
Other support
A union or an employer organisation in your industry or jurisdiction
These membership-based organisations may be able to provide advice or advocate on your behalf in an employment matter.
Education provider
Student sonographers should also consider contacting their education provider for assistance if facing an issue in the workplace.