A Whole New Approach - Camberwell, Victoria

Shan

Like many other 1 star comments, I came across this business at a time when I was extremely vulnerable. In comments I notice the standard reply from this business is they are unfamiliar with a complainant's case or they are 'looking to improve', which I doubt given the business model.

AWNA is a paid agent under section 12 of the Fair Work act and under section 596 of the Fair Work act.

This business is essentially a great website and two slick-talking salesmen (Garry and Bob aka 'Uncle Bob') at the front end, playing a numbers game in the Fair Work Commission. (The FWC process is free btw). These guys have cleverly monetized the process and turned it into a cash grab with both hands. Promise the world (you have been done an injustice, worst case I've ever seen etc.) take the money and see what happens.

3 years on, I'm chasing receipts for money paid and basic cost transparency. During my case, the support provided by administrative staff at AWNA was excellent. The appearance at Fair Work Commission was a shambles, Garry arrived on the call and I could hear staff fast-briefing him in the background. He went on to obtain the result one would expect with no real understanding of my case - zero.

With enough cases before Fair Work they're bound to win a few. Unfortunately those they don't win are an opportunity to make even more money by convincing you to take the next step...into Federal Circuit Court.

If I had my time over, I would have sidestepped the pressure selling tactics "you only have 21 days to lodge we need to get moving on your case" and sought assistance from a free legal service, local lawyer or union. Dealing with a local lawyer would have been comparable cost wise and definitely have provided better service.

Wrongful termination is big business in Australia. Spend your money wisely.

I

I have decided to publish here the email I've sent to them, to say thank you.

Hi Anisha and the whole team

This process is finished obviously, I have received the funds.
You don't know how much this will help us.
Both financially and mentally.
As Bob said, this was the worst dismissal ever.
I want to thank him for his unbelievable actions on my behalf and therefore an excellent result.
Could it be better? Maybe.
Could it be worse? Without you guys absolutely.

Stay safe guys and
With best regards
Igor

D A. M.

When I was suspended by my employer (local government) I initially didn't know how to navigate this situation, but felt that going at it alone wasn't going to result in a good outcome.

After researching a lot of options I obtained the services of Bob Gu who was extremely supportive. He was in attendance with me during the ensuring employer hearing where he witnessed first hand how one-sided the employer process was.

All correspondence that came from my employer I sent on to him/AWNA. They in turn send me correspondence to forward on to them. My now former employer, despite being warned that what they were proposing to do constitutes unfair dismissal, did exactly that.

AWNA initiated legal action with the Fair Work Commission, which 'encouraged' my former employer to propose a remedy to resolve the situation before it got to conciliation, which I accepted.

Anyone who gets suspended by their employers, I encourage them to obtain the services of AWNA as soon as possible. It is well worth the money to stand up to these unscrupulous organisations & obtain a decent outcome.

Kyleen W.

I would like to thank Bob for all of his hard work and support that he offered me during a stressful experience. Bob remained so calm and is extremely knowledgeable and helped me get a good outcome. Thank you Bob. I would highly recommend you to anyone I know

Kelsie M.

The team at Whole New Approach thank you for your help in what was a very stressful time. I appreciate your time and effort you put in and Gary was effective and very helpful

JJM M.

A Whole new approach did some amazing work for me. Bob and Gary and the team were absolutely fantastic to work with. They provided me with phenomenal workplace support for me and handled my fair work matter professionally. The outcome was fair and I believe just. I highly recommend their services and their no win no fee options were clear and really helpful especially during these tough times

Summer M.

Bob was very professional in his approach to my matter the team at AWNA were professional and understanding.
The advice I received was effective and I always felt the team had my back
Bob was there every step of the way from the workplace meeting to the conference. I could not have asked for a better team and advocate to represent me. Highly recommend to anyone going through tough times at work

Summertime C.

Horrible service! I would recommend you save your $4,200 and contact a professionally educated lawyer instead. Money down the drain in twenty minutes and a waste of trust and time. AWNA are nothing but smooth operators, fast talking charlatans who take advantage of people in their darkest hour, while promising a successful outcome from the first phone call but knowing full well they don’t intend on delivering on their promise. On the day of conciliation Gary suddenly had a more important case and I was given a smooth talking replacement with just one hour notice before the case, who knew next to nothing about what was going on and left me to do the majority of the talking, representing myself. I did not have the successful outcome I was promised. If I wasn’t stressed enough during this, the replacement Bob, even questioned me about personal belongings in my home, wanting to know if the paintings on my wall behind me were family heirlooms. When you are vulnerable, look around, go to a professional lawyer, there are many more options available. AWNA will take advantage of you if they know they can. Don’t let the next person be YOU.
ETA : I asked Gary for a refund and he refused but the company did try and refer me on to a more expensive lawyer, charging $15K. Of course I declined.