Upcoming Q&A: Classifying and triaging a disciplinary issue

Melini Pillay, McCabes Lawyers
Melini Pillay, McCabes Lawyers

When an issue is raised that will potentially result in disciplinary action, HR's early decisions can have a big impact on the success and defensibility of the ensuing process.

This HR Daily Premium Q&A will focus on triage and classification, with McCabes Lawyers principal Melini Pillay and HR Daily editor Jo Knox discussing:

  • how HR should assess issues when they are first raised;
  • distinguishing between misconduct, performance, interpersonal conflict and other workplace concerns;
  • deciding whether a matter requires a formal process;
  • early fact-finding; and
  • avoiding common mistakes that create problems later.

This Q&A is the second in our series taking an in-depth look at individual stages of a disciplinary process. Watch the first instalment here.

HR Daily Premium members are invited to submit questions via our contact form, prior to Tuesday 22 October 2026.
Watching this Q&A will count as 0.5 CPD hours.

About Melini Pillay

Melini Pillay is a highly experienced employment, safety, and industrial relations lawyer, with over a decade of experience advising businesses in NSW and Victoria on complex worker-related matters.

Known for her approachable style, she builds strong relationships and delivers tailored, business-focused legal solutions.

Melini's background as a safety prosecutor also gives her unique insight into workplace safety, compliance, and investigations.

Visit the McCabes website or follow Melini on LinkedIn.