About Us

Australian Workplace Strategies (AWS) is a specialist consultancy supporting small and medium-sized enterprises across human resources, work health and safety (WHS), and integrated management systems.

We work closely with our clients to understand their operations, risks and objectives—delivering tailored, practical solutions that align with both day-to-day business needs and broader compliance obligations. Engagements are flexible, with meetings available at our Melbourne CBD offices, on-site, or by arrangement.

Our team comprises tertiary-qualified, experienced professionals with a strong track record across a diverse client base. Over more than 30 years, we have advised organisations including Nike, Le Pine Funerals, Stanley Black & Decker, Care Park and Roadside Services and Solutions, as well as local governments, professional practices, manufacturers, retailers and other SMEs.

AWS was founded in 1994 by Lieutenant Colonel Gerard Nelson following his role as Director of the Labour Market Strategy Group at KPMG Peat Marwick. Early alliances with Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu saw AWS advising a broad range of private client organisations.

Since 2007, AWS has operated in close alignment with Parke Lawyers, and since 2015 as a division of Parke Corporation under the direction of Jim Parke. This structure provides clients with the added benefit of legal insight and governance expertise—ensuring that HR, WHS and management systems are not only effective, but also compliant and defensible.

Our corporate offices are located at 480 Collins Street, Melbourne, and we service clients across Australia, including in all major capital cities.