Workplace Flexibility Under the Law: What HR Can't Afford to Miss

Wednesday, 28 May 2025, 7.45AM - 9.30AM, Brisbane CBD

NEW EVENT


Day: Wednesday 28th May 2025
Time: 7:45am for an 8:00am start until 9:30am 
Venue: Brisbane Club, Suite 3/241 Adelaide Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000

There is a key legal difference between a request to return to the “office” and a right to request a flexible working arrangement, which also includes work from home. This legal issue is imperative for all HR and P&C teams to get their head around as Roy Morgan survey statistics show:
• 80% of workers would like to work from home
• 60% of workers would like hybrid work
• 49% of workers would agree to hybrid work

Which raises questions around?
• Could an employer dismiss an employee if they lacked commitment and did not turn up to mandatory in office days?
• What about a remote working employee who failed to tell their employer that in fact they actually live overseas and not Australia?
• How about an employee who refused a return to office mandate?

We now have recent Fair Work Commission case law which can provide practical tips for HR to implement now.


Jonathan Mamaril

"As an experienced Employment Lawyer and Director with more than 16 years’ experience in workplace relations and industrial relations, Jonathan Mamaril has become a trusted expert for Human Resources, People and Culture, Owners and Executive teams.

Jonathan is a regular speaker for TEC and Vistage, Manufacturing Excellence Forum, and Best Practice Network and has been interviewed by ABC radio, news.com.au, Brisbane Times, HR Leader, HR Daily, HRM Online, and the Sydney Morning Herald."

Sarah Stone

Sarah Stone is the Co-Founder of LinkABLE and a seasoned Education and Capability Executive, respected thought leader, and experienced Change Strategist dedicated to shaping the future of organisational development. She has led transformative programs for organisations ranging from start-ups with five employees to global enterprises of 55,000, helping teams prepare for the evolving world of work. With a strong focus on aligning employee experience with business strategy, Sarah has successfully implemented culture, leadership, and capability frameworks that strengthen performance, engagement, and sustainable growth.

Adam Fairhurst

Adam Fairhurst brings over 27 years’ experience leading corruption, criminal and workplace investigations across corporate and government environments in Australia and internationally.

He has held senior roles across law enforcement, government integrity functions and forensic consulting, including with Queensland Police Service, Queensland Health, the Department of Justice and BDO. Adam is considered a subject matter expert in workplace investigations, fraud risk, misconduct, corruption, compliance and governance.

Samantha Sellwood

Sam Sellwood is a registered psychologist, facilitator and consultant with experience across government, non-government and high-pressure environments, including the Queensland Police Service and Queensland’s workplace health and safety regulator.

Sam works with organisations to assess psychosocial risk and support practical conversations about workplace mental health, leadership development and organisational wellbeing. She has a particular interest in early- to mid-career leaders, helping them build the confidence, clarity and capability to lead healthier, more effective teams.

Contact us any time

About Jonathan Mamaril:

Jonathan Mamaril is a director of South Geldard Lawyers and heads the Employment law team. With a distinct trade union background, Jonathan possesses unique insight into how employee advocates and lawyers work, allowing him to provide strategic and practical advice that keeps employers and Human Resources teams one step ahead.