Karen Blackhurst

As a Senior Workplace Relations Advisor at iHR Australia, Karen Blackhurst helps organisations manage complex employment matters, navigate industrial relations and strengthen workplace practices through practical, commercially focused advice.

Karen brings more than 20 years’ experience across public and private sector organisations, spanning industrial relations, strategic HR business partnering and organisational change. She has led enterprise bargaining negotiations, engaged with unions and represented organisations before the Fair Work Commission. Her advice covers disputes, misconduct, performance, workforce transition and the interpretation of employment legislation, modern awards and enterprise agreements.

Karen conducts workplace investigations into sensitive misconduct and grievance matters, with a focus on procedural fairness, risk management and clear documentation. A certified trainer and assessor, she also builds leadership capability through coaching, policy development and practical guidance. Her calm, solutions-focused approach supports constructive relationships with executives, operational leaders, employees and union representatives.

Karen holds a Bachelor of Business in Business Administration, majoring in Human Resources, from Monash University, alongside Certificates IV in Training and Assessment and Government Investigations. She is a Mental Health First Aider and a member of the Australian Human Resources Institute and the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.