Independent Contractor vs Employee Disputes

Law Tram’s Contractor vs Employee Dispute Consultation simplifies the process by connecting you with licensed Australian lawyers who can offer tailored legal advice specific to your situation. This free, fully online, and obligation-free service ensures you receive expert guidance every step of the way.

Paid as a Contractor But Treated Like an Employee?

Many Australian workers are engaged as “contractors” and paid via ABN, even when their work arrangements more closely resemble those of an employee. This can mean missing out on superannuation, leave entitlements, protection from unfair dismissal, and minimum award rates.

Whether or not you are legally a contractor or an employee depends on more than just your contract or job title. Courts look at the real nature of the relationship such as your hours, control, integration into the business and financial dependence.

Law Tram connects you with lawyers who can assess your work arrangement, explain your rights, and help you pursue underpayments or legal protections if you’ve been misclassified.

We can help you with a range of legal services

Law Tram's Legal Partners can assist with contractor classification disputes, including:

Why Choose Law Tram

We are connected with highly experienced employment lawyers

How It Works

Confidential and Secure Questionnaire

Start by completing our secure online questionnaire. This step allows you to provide essential details about your work relationship and pay structure.

Confidential Legal Summary

Law Tram’s advanced technology generates a confidential legal summary of your matter while keeping your personal and employment details private.

Review by Licensed Australian Lawyers

Your confidential legal summary is shared with our network of vetted lawyers who review your case to determine how they can assist.

Connect with a Lawyer

If a lawyer believes they can help, they will initiate a chat with you through the Law Tram platform. Your contact details remain private unless you choose to share them.

No Obligation

You are under no pressure to retain any lawyer unless you are confident in their ability to assist. Law Tram empowers you to make informed decisions.

What Others Are Saying

Law Tram User

I worked set hours, used their equipment and answered to a manager — but I was paid as a contractor. The lawyer helped me get my super and leave paid out.

Law Tram User

I was doing the same job as employees but had no entitlements. The lawyer explained my options and helped me get back pay.

Law Tram User

They hired me on an ABN but fired me without notice. I didn’t know I had rights until I used Law Tram.

Legal Information Only – Not a Substitute for Advice

This page provides general legal information only. It is not legal advice and should not be relied on as such. Classification disputes are complex and may involve multiple legal bodies. You should seek advice from an Australian Legal Practitioner before taking or delaying any action.
Get fast legal advice for workplace matters

Take the First Step Toward Resolution

Law Tram’s Contractor vs Employee Dispute Consultation offers a secure, efficient and supportive way to connect with expert legal help. Whether you’ve been wrongly classified or want to check your entitlements, our platform ensures you receive tailored advice from qualified lawyers.

Start your free, confidential consultation today. Please note that Law Tram does not assist in finding legal aid lawyers. If you are seeking legal aid, visit our dedicated legal aid page for more information.

Take the first step toward protecting your rights at work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Employees are entitled to minimum wages, leave, super and protections. Contractors run their own business and have fewer entitlements.
Not always, but if it misrepresents the true relationship, it may be unlawful and expose them to penalties.
Even if you agreed, the law focuses on how the relationship works in practice — not just the contract.
Yes. You may be entitled to recover entitlements for the period you were treated as a contractor.
There are legal protections against retaliation for asserting your rights. A lawyer can help you act safely.
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