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Our services
Process
Our methodology begins with a forensic review of your employment contract, company policies, and project management portfolio to establish the true scope of your role. We analyse your entitlements under the National Employment Standards (NES), relevant modern award, and any enterprise agreement, focusing on notice periods, redundancy pay scales, and accruals for annual and long service leave. A critical step involves quantifying any unclaimed allowances or bonuses tied to project deliverables. We then prepare a detailed letter of demand, citing specific provisions like Section 117 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) regarding notice of termination. If negotiation fails, we are prepared to initiate proceedings in the Fair Work Commission, with a strong record of securing settlements that are, on average, 40% higher than initial employer offers. Our approach is similarly rigorous for other professionals, such as in Severance Pay For Software Engineers.
Local Considerations — Australia
Severance entitlements for project managers can vary across Australia's diverse economic landscape. In major hubs like Sydney and Melbourne, where project management is prevalent in finance, construction, and tech, disputes often involve complex performance bonuses and stock options. In resource-driven regions like Western Australia or Queensland, severance calculations may need to account for industry-specific allowances and fly-in-fly-out arrangements. Our national practice adapts by leveraging deep knowledge of both federal law and state-based long service leave schemes. We understand that a project manager in Perth facing redundancy in the mining sector has different considerations than one in a Sydney-based software firm, and we tailor our strategy accordingly to maximise outcomes.
At a Glance
| Parameter | Reference Value |
|---|---|
| Typical Claim Resolution Timeline | 4-8 weeks |
| Common Notice Period (for >5 years service) | 4 weeks |
| Redundancy Pay Entitlement Scale | Up to 16 weeks' pay |
| Typical Legal Engagement Scope | From demand letter to conciliation |
Standards & Compliance
- Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth)
- National Employment Standards (NES)
- Relevant Modern Award (e.g., Professional Employees Award 2020)
- State-based Long Service Leave legislation
Request a Quote
Our team reviews your project and issues an initial report at no cost.
Or write us directly at info@employmentlawyer24.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is typically included in a severance package for a project manager?
A comprehensive severance package should include payment in lieu of the required notice period, any statutory redundancy pay, accrued but untaken annual and long service leave, and payment for any contractual entitlements like performance bonuses or commissions earned up to the termination date. We meticulously audit all potential components.
Can I challenge a severance offer if I was made redundant?
Yes. Redundancy must be genuine. We assess if the role truly no longer exists, if the selection process was fair, and if the employer complied with consultation obligations. Even in a genuine redundancy, the calculated entitlements are often incorrect, providing grounds for negotiation.
What are the legal time limits for making a claim?
Strict time limits apply. An unfair dismissal application must be lodged with the Fair Work Commission within 21 days of the dismissal taking effect. For underpayment of entitlements, the timeframe can be longer, but immediate action is always advised to preserve evidence and legal options.
How much does it cost to engage a lawyer for severance pay advice in Australia?
Costs depend on case complexity, the required negotiation or litigation stages, and the specific documentation review needed. Many matters are resolved at the initial demand stage. We provide transparent fee agreements, often including fixed-fee initial assessments. For a 2026 reference, detailed advice and demand letter preparation typically range from $2,000 to $5,000 + GST, with litigation costs discussed upfront if required. A specific quote is provided after reviewing your documents.