Peel People Solutions

25/09/2026

Contractor or Employee? Getting the Engagement Right Matters.

For many small businesses, engaging a contractor can provide flexibility, specialist expertise and additional capacity without immediately increasing the permanent workforce.

But contractor versus employee isn’t simply a choice a business owner makes.

The nature of the relationship matters.

Under current Fair Work rules, depending on the type of business, determining whether someone is an employee or contractor can involve looking at the real substance and practical reality of the relationship. Factors can include who controls how the work is performed, financial risk, provision of tools and equipment, ability to delegate or subcontract, working hours and whether there is an expectation of ongoing work. Having an ABN or sending an invoice does not automatically make someone a contractor.

And it isn’t only a Fair Work consideration.

The way a worker is engaged can also create ATO obligations, including tax and superannuation considerations. Incorrectly treating an employee as a contractor can also expose a business to risks around employment entitlements and sham contracting.

For small business owners, the starting point should be:

What does my business actually need, and what type of engagement appropriately reflects how this person will work within the business?

Getting that right at the beginning can prevent expensive and difficult problems later.

At Peel People Solutions, we help small businesses think through their workforce needs, establish appropriate people systems and put the right documentation and processes in place to support sustainable growth.

Because good HR isn’t just about fixing problems.

It’s about designing your people practices well enough to prevent them.



Fair Work Ombudsman: Independent contractors⁠

05/08/2026

How much is your next recruitment costing you… before you’ve even hired anyone?

For many business owners and managers, recruitment isn’t just about finding the right person.

It’s the hours spent writing advertisements.
Reviewing dozens of resumes.
Responding to applicants.
Scheduling interviews.
Conducting reference checks.
Preparing employment contracts.
Managing the administration.

All while trying to run your business.

At Peel People Solutions, we provide an end-to-end recruitment service that allows you to focus on what you do best, while we find the right person for your team.

Our recruitment process includes:
✔ Workforce planning and role scoping
✔ Position descriptions
✔ Targeted advertising and candidate attraction
✔ Resume screening and shortlisting
✔ Behavioural interviews
✔ Reference checking
✔ Employment documentation
✔ Offer management
✔ Onboarding support

But recruitment isn’t just about filling a vacancy.

It’s about finding someone who aligns with your organisation’s values, culture and long-term goals.

A great recruitment process reduces the risk of costly hiring mistakes, improves retention and helps build stronger, more engaged teams.

Whether you’re recruiting your next administrator, supervisor, executive or specialist, we’ll manage the process professionally and keep you informed every step of the way.

Imagine reclaiming hours of your week, knowing your recruitment is in experienced hands.

If you’re planning your next hire, let’s have a conversation.

📧 [email protected]
📞 0400 130 070

22/07/2026

Recently, I’ve been conducting confidential employee interviews as part of an operational review for an organisation committed to understanding how it can improve.

I genuinely admire organisations that invest the time to listen to their people. It sends a clear message that employees matter and that leadership is committed to creating a positive, people-centred workplace culture.

One of the greatest advantages of using an independent third party is that employees often feel more comfortable sharing their experiences openly and honestly. Knowing their feedback is confidential and impartial allows conversations to move beyond surface-level responses and uncover valuable insights that might otherwise remain unheard.

These conversations can identify strengths worth celebrating, highlight opportunities for improvement and provide leaders with practical, evidence-based feedback to inform future decisions.

The result isn’t just better information. It’s stronger trust, healthier workplace cultures and more engaged teams.

As an organisational leader, would you value confidential, independent feedback from your employees to help shape the future of your workplace?

I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

06/07/2026

This week we celebrate NAIDOC Week, a time to recognise, honour and celebrate the history, culture, achievements and continuing contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Workplaces have an important role to play in creating environments that are inclusive, respectful and culturally safe. Even small actions can create meaningful conversations and deepen understanding.

Whether it’s hosting a morning tea, inviting a local speaker, sharing resources, acknowledging Country, supporting Indigenous businesses or simply taking time to learn together, every step helps build stronger workplace cultures.

At Peel People Solutions, we believe that people-first workplaces are built on respect, inclusion and genuine connection.

We’re interested to hear from you.

How is your workplace recognising NAIDOC Week this year?

Share your ideas in the comments. Your experience might inspire another organisation to start their own journey.

01/07/2026

Reminder for Employers | Minimum Award Wages Increase from 1 July 2026

From 1 July 2026, minimum award wages increase by 4.75%, with the new rates applying from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2026. Employers should ensure their payroll systems and employee pay rates are updated accordingly. 

Now is the perfect time to:

✔ Review employee classifications
✔ Update minimum pay rates
✔ Check allowances and penalty rates
✔ Confirm payroll systems are compliant
✔ Communicate any changes with your team

Staying compliant isn’t just about meeting your legal obligations. It’s about building trust with your employees and reducing unnecessary business risk.

If you’re unsure how these changes affect your organisation, seek advice from the Fair Work Ombudsman or your trusted HR or People & Culture adviser.

At Peel People Solutions, we’re here to help businesses navigate workplace changes with practical, people-first advice.

For more information on the 2026 Annual Wage Review, visit:

https://www.fairwork.gov.au/about-us/workplace-laws/annual-wage-review/annual-wage-review-2026

26/06/2026

Workplace conflict doesn’t have to end in grievances, resignations or damaged relationships.

When addressed early, many workplace issues can be resolved through respectful, structured conversations that help people move forward with greater understanding and clarity.

At Peel People Solutions, we provide:

✔ Workplace Mediation
✔ Conflict Resolution Consultancy
✔ Difficult Conversation Facilitation
✔ Leadership Support and Coaching

Our mediation services are:

• Affordable
• Confidential
• Professional
• Independent
• Focused on practical outcomes

As an AMDRAS accredited and registered mediator, Veronica Smith works with employers and employees to help resolve workplace disputes in a way that preserves relationships, reduces risk and supports healthier workplace cultures.

Whether you’re dealing with communication breakdowns, interpersonal conflict, team tensions or workplace disputes, mediation may provide a pathway forward.

The earlier issues are addressed, the greater the opportunity for a positive outcome.

To discuss whether mediation is suitable for your workplace situation, contact:

📧 [email protected]

Because strong workplaces are built on strong conversations.

18/06/2026

At Peel People Solutions, we believe that successful businesses have a responsibility to contribute to the communities that support them.

That’s why we are proud to be making regular donations to the Peel Community Fund, one of the giving initiatives offered through the Peel Community Foundation.

What we love about the Peel Community Fund is that it allows local people and businesses to invest in the future of our region, with funds directed towards community-led initiatives that create meaningful and lasting impact.

As a values-driven business, it is important to us that our contribution supports causes aligned with our commitment to people, leadership, wellbeing, education and community development.

Giving back doesn’t always have to be grand gestures. Sometimes it’s about consistently contributing in ways that help strengthen the community around us.

We are proud to play a small part in creating positive outcomes for the Peel region and look forward to seeing the impact these funds can make over time.

I’m curious…

How does your business give back to your community?

If you’re looking at options, check out the PCF Giving Options here:

https://peelcf.com.au/giving-options/



https://peelcf.com.au/

By giving back, we create opportunity, reduce disadvantage and build a stronger, fairer future for all. Anyone can be a philanthropist — and we make it simple through impactful giving accounts, grants and scholarships that change lives.

02/06/2026

Important information on recent changes to sleepover rates for those operating under the SCHADS Award ⬇️⬇️

26/05/2026

At Peel People Solutions, we don’t just talk “leadership”, we DO leadership!

Our unique Professionals of Peel community has evolved since launching in October 2025 and we are proudly 16 members strong with a steady flow of guests and visitors joining our monthly Leaders Who Lunch events.

Today’s event provided opportunities for connection and sharing, skill development and learning, courageous conversations and support.

See you next month for more of all the good things 🤩

professionalsofpeel.com.au

18/05/2026

I am pleased to share that, after completing my training and certification in February, I am now officially accredited and registered with AMDRAS (Australian Mediation and Dispute Resolution Accreditation Standards).

This accreditation represents an important step in the continued growth of Peel People Solutions and our commitment to supporting workplaces through practical, people-centred conflict resolution and mediation services.

Workplace conflict has a significant impact on people, culture and organisational performance when left unresolved. My goal is to help organisations navigate difficult situations early, constructively and professionally, before issues escalate into formal disputes or long-term workplace damage.

As an AMDRAS accredited mediator, I look forward to continuing to support businesses, leaders and teams through:

• Workplace mediation
• Conflict resolution consultancy
• Leadership coaching
• Difficult conversations and communication support
• Training and capability building

This work aligns strongly with my broader passion for building healthier, stronger and more sustainable workplaces across the Peel region and beyond.

Thank you to everyone who has supported and encouraged me throughout this journey.

I am excited for what lies ahead 🤩