The Fair Work Ombudsman manages and provides the information for this website - your gateway to information and advice about Australia's workplace rights and rules.
Whether you're an employee, employer or contractor with a question about workplace rights and responsibilities, you'll find the information you need here.
Functions
The Fair Work Ombudsman is a statutory office created by the Fair Work Act 2009. The Fair Work Ombudsman’s jurisdiction is set out in the Fair Work Act, and he operates independently of Government, making his own decisions about all investigations.
The Fair Work Ombudsman’s functions include promoting harmonious, productive and cooperative workplace relations and ensuring compliance with Commonwealth workplace laws. The services of the Fair Work Ombudsman are free to all workers and employers in Australia.
The Fair Work Ombudsman does not advocate or represent on behalf of any specific person or interest.
In exercising these functions, the Fair Work Ombudsman:
- offers people a single point of contact for them to get accurate and timely information about Australia’s workplace relations system
- educates people working in Australia about fair work practices, rights and obligations
- investigates complaints or suspected contraventions of workplace laws, awards and agreements
- litigates to enforce workplace laws and deter people from doing wrong in the community
- builds strong and effective relationships with industry, unions and other stakeholders.
The staff of the Fair Work Ombudsman are focused on serving the needs of everyone covered by the Australian workplace system.
We work closely with the Fair Work Commission to ensure our services are integrated, timely, relevant and accessible to all Australians.