Hi there. It sounds like you are in a difficult position. From a legal perspective, it sounds like the employer made you a verbal offer of employment and you accepted it. When you accepted the offer, a legal contract was most likely formed. A legal contract can exist even without it being in writing.

If a legal contract existed between you and the employer, both parties were obliged to follow the terms of that contract. For the employer, this means that they should not have retracted the offer or terminated your position without first giving reasonable notice. As a result of the employer’s breach of contract, you are likely to have a legal claim against them. Your claim would be strengthened by the fact that you have suffered financial loss as result of the employer’s conduct (i.e. you ended your previous employment in reliance of the new offer).

There are also special workplace laws that may offer you some legal protection, but this will depend on whether a formal employment contract existed and whether you are protected by Australia’s National Employment Standards. More information about workplace rights can be found on the Fair Work Ombudsman website atwww.fairwork.gov.au. Note that some workplace rights claims must be commenced within 21 days of your employment ending.