Industrious Conversations: Managing redundancy processes in Australia in 2025

Quantum leaps in technology, as well as rising cost pressures, are prompting many leaders to take a fresh look at how their organisations are structured and resourced. However, restructures and redeployment are notoriously tricky processes to manage well. In this episode, we reflect on lessons learned from the High Court’s recent Helensburgh Coal vs Bartley decision. Ashurst Employment partners Peter McNulty and Julia Sutherland explain why and how Australia’s employment laws require a more nuanced approach to restructuring than in years gone by. Together, they tackle everything from redeployment and penalties for late payment of entitlements to contractor arrangements and employee consultation. They also discuss health and safety matters, including psychosocial risk, and they emphasise the importance of robust, documented plans. To listen to this and subscribe to future episodes, search for “Ashurst Legal Outlook” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favourite podcast player. To find out more about the full range of Ashurst podcasts, visit ashurst.com/podcasts. The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.