The association representing the Australian accommodation industry, the Hotel Motel & Accommodation Association (HMAA) has welcomed a new Workplace Relations Advisor to the Sydney office at HMAA.

Trish Babu joins HMAA from the Law Society of NSW, where she provided support to the committees of NSW Young Lawyers over a 2 year period.

Trish is a welcome addition to the Workplace Relations team under the leadership of Rebecca Scott.

Trish’s role will consist of advising members on Workplace Relations issues and providing guidance on awards and employment legislation and representing members before industrial courts and tribunals.

Workplace Relations Manager, Rebecca Scott, noted “I am confident that Trish will prove to be a great resource to HMAA with her specialised background, legal experience and analytical strengths.

Trish’s passion for employment law and industrial relations, in addition to her diverse experience, will complement the existing team and be of great benefit to our membership”.

Trish is a solicitor, who offers a valuable combination of experience in Human Resources and an understanding of legal compliance issues.

Trish has over 8 years experience of working with HR structures and strategies in a diverse range of global and local companies.

Her strong career history includes employee relations, industry award interpretation, workplace policies and procedures, performance management, Hays job evaluation, OH&S, worker’s compensation and compliance with discrimination laws.

Trish holds a bachelor’s degree in Law and a master’s degree in Business Administration with specialisation in Human Resources.

With the introduction of the Modern Award this year, HMAA has taken over three times its normal amount of phone enquiries, so Trish will be a great asset in familiarising members with the new workplace legislation.

“I am pleased to be joining HMAA at the early stages of the Fair Work Act and assisting members with the multitude of transitional arrangements, as traversing the legislation adds a very challenging element to the role.

Working with the team here at HMAA, I hope to utilise my knowledge and experience in supporting our members in best achieving the objectives of their workplace relations”, said Ms Babu.

Trish joined the HMAA team at the beginning of August and is based in the Sydney office.