Employment & Workplace · Sunshine Coast
2 unfair dismissal firms in Sunshine Coast, Queensland, including Maroochydore, Caloundra, Noosa, Nambour.
2 firms
Birtinya, QLD · Sunshine Coast
Catton Roderick Lawyers Sunshine Coast provides legal services in Birtinya, QLD. Listed practice areas include Employment Law, Business & Commercial Law and Workers Compensation.
Gympie, QLD · Sunshine Coast
Maurice Blackburn Lawyers provides legal services in Gympie, QLD. Listed practice areas include Medical Negligence, Class Actions and Motor Vehicle Accidents / CTP.
Applications go to the Fair Work Commission within 21 days. Eligibility depends on minimum employment periods and income thresholds.
Losing a job affects income and reputation. A successful claim can mean reinstatement or compensation.
Unfair dismissal claims go to the Fair Work Commission within 21 days. Employees must have completed the minimum employment period, six months, or 12 months for small businesses, and earn under the high income threshold unless covered by an award or agreement.
Understand the next step
Give the dismissal date immediately and explain the employment history. The lawyer should assess eligibility and the appropriate pathway before drafting an application.
Fair Work Commission applications have a 21-day timeframe; ask promptly rather than waiting for an internal discussion to finish.
Maroochydore, Caloundra, Noosa and Nambour are grouped within the Sunshine Coast. Clients comparing firms should identify whether the work involves a personal matter, business interest or property held through an entity.
For unfair dismissal, ask which parts of the work the firm handles itself and whether it has relevant QLD experience. Let the lawyer know if a property, employer, other party or existing proceeding is outside Sunshine Coast. Your home address alone does not determine the applicable process.
Gather the contract, dates, pay records and relevant correspondence. Identify the employer’s legal name rather than only a trading name.
Ask which law or process applies and whether its requirements are met. Fair Work Commission unfair dismissal applications have a 21-day filing timeframe, making prompt advice important.
Agree how to respond, prepare for a meeting or assess a settlement. Have any release and confidentiality terms explained before signing.
Advice on a single document, an investigation response and ongoing representation need different estimates. Ask what negotiation and appearance work is covered.
Ask for a written scope identifying the work you are authorising, the person responsible and when costs will be reviewed. If you only want advice on one step, say so before the firm begins wider work.
Put the dismissal or decision date in the first enquiry. Ask whether an external deadline is running while an internal complaint is being considered.
In Queensland, most matters start in the Magistrates Court, with serious criminal and larger civil matters in the District and Supreme Courts. Tenancy, minor civil, building and guardianship disputes go to QCAT. Solicitors hold practising certificates from the Queensland Law Society, and complaints are handled by the Legal Services Commission.
Good to know
Most employees after the minimum employment period, subject to income thresholds and exclusions.
Most matters start in the Magistrates Court. More serious cases go to the District Court or the Supreme Court of Queensland. Family law matters are heard by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
Practising certificates in Queensland are managed by the Queensland Law Society. You can check a solicitor's status on its public register or by contacting it directly.
Directory guidance updated 19 September 2026. General information to help you prepare for a conversation with a professional; not advice about your individual matter. Check current requirements with the relevant authority.