Accessing our information

Find out about accessing information that we hold.

On this page:

Information Publication Scheme

Under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act), we proactively publish information about what we do and the way we do it. Read more about our Information Publication Scheme.

Requesting information or documents

Most requests for information or copies of documents can be dealt with informally and quickly under our Information Access Policy . A phone call or email may be all that's needed.

We can release documents under the Information Access Policy that relate to your request for assistance, including:

  • documents containing your own personal information (eg. your request for assistance form and supporting documents)
  • evidence we have that relates to your request for assistance (eg. time sheets, pay slips, emails, diary records, statutory declaration or formal statements)
  • notes we've taken during our conversations with you (other than notes made during mediation)
  • letters we've written to other parties about the issues in dispute
  • tribunal, court decisions or authorities we've relied on when making a decision
  • call information from our Infoline relating to you (including call summaries and recordings). 

Read our Information Access Policy  for more information about accessing information we hold. 

Making a Freedom of Information (FOI) request

You have the right to:

  • access documents
  • ask for information about you to be changed or added if it's incomplete, out of date, incorrect or misleading
  • ask for a review of our decision if we refuse you access to a document or change your details.

If the document you want can't be released under our IA Policy, you can apply to access it under the FOI Act.

We can refuse to release some documents, or parts of documents, if the FOI Act allows it. This includes documents that:

  • affect the enforcement of law
  • are given to us in confidence
  • are subject to legal professional privilege.

Documents that have business and personal information in them may not be released unless it is in the public interest. 

We will contact you to ask whether you agree to exclude public servants' names and contact details, where this information does not appear to be specifically relevant to the scope of an FOI request.

To make an FOI request you need to put your request in writing with the following information:

  • stating that you're making an application under the FOI Act
  • provide detailed information about the document you want, so we can identify it quickly
  • provide contact details so we can send you notices under the FOI Act (eg. email, postal, address or fax number).

Send your request to us by:

  • email to foi@fwo.gov.au
  • post to Information Governance Team, Fair Work Ombudsman, GPO Box 9887 Melbourne VIC 3001.

We will always aim to send you a decision within the statutory timeframes allowed under the FOI Act. This generally means within 30 days from the day after we receive your request, but this timeframe will be extended if we have to consult with any third parties or for other reasons including the complexity of a request or the volume of documents sought. Like many government agencies, our staff’s ability to process FOI requests may be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, we may seek applicants’ agreement to extend processing timeframes connected to some requests.

Fees and charges

There's no application fee to make an FOI request. 

There are no processing charges for documents containing your own personal information. 

Processing charges may apply to other requests. 

Read our FOI charges fact sheet  to find out more about these charges. 

If you disagree with our decision

When we've made a decision on your FOI request, we'll send you a letter explaining our decision and your review and appeal rights.

You can ask for the following decisions to be reviewed:

  • if we refuse to give you access to all or part of a document or if we defer giving you access
  • if we impose a charge
  • if we refuse to change or add to the information about you that you claim is incomplete, incorrect, out of date or misleading. 

A third party who disagrees with our decision to give you documents that have information about them can also ask for our decision to be reviewed. 

The decision will be reviewed internally by another officer in our agency. We'll tell you our decision within 30 days of getting your written request. 

Information Commissioner review

You can also ask the Australian Information Commissioner to review our decision about your FOI request:

  • within 60 days of the decision or
  • within 30 days after you're notified if you're an affected third party.

The Information Commissioner can:

  • confirm our decision
  • change our decision
  • make a new decision.

More information is available from the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner's website.

Complaints

If you’re unhappy with the way we’ve handled your FOI request, let us know. We’ll see if we can address your concerns. If you remain unhappy, you can complain to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.

FOI complaints must be made in writing. You can:

You can find more information about making a complaint on the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner's website .

    Disclosure log

    The disclosure log contains information that we have released under the FOI Act.

     

    Request no Date released Summary of request Document
    IA-1693 14/11/2022

    Documents provided by Bupa to the Fair Work Ombudsman (self reporting) that pertain to the entitlements of persons employed by Bupa as registered nurses, enrolled nurses and assistants in nursing in the state of NSW.

    		 To access the relevant documents, please contact foi@fwo.gov.au
    IA-1458 28/02/2022

    Documents in relation to the FWO's investigation into Austal Ships in 2020-2021.

    		 To access the relevant documents, please contact foi@fwo.gov.au
    IA-1507 18/01/2022

    Correspondence from the FWO to security companies based in NSW as referenced in the FWO media release dated 1 October 2021 "More than $300,000 recovered for security staff". This advises FWO contacted 16 security companies in Sydney, of which 4 were found to be non-compliant.

    		 To access the relevant documents, please contact foi@fwo.gov.au
    IA-1506 18/01/2022

    Correspondence from the FWO to security companies based in VIC as referenced in the FWO media release dated 1 October 2021 "More than $300,000 recovered for security staff".

    		 To access the relevant documents, please contact foi@fwo.gov.au
    IA-1505 29/10/2021

    Details on the number of FWO staff based in WA.

    Details on the number of FWO inspectors based in WA and a breakdown of their activity in the state in 2020-21, 2019-20 and 2018-19.

    		 To access the relevant documents, please contact foi@fwo.gov.au
    IA-1390 09/04/2021 

    A summary report containing the completion date of the first finalised:

    1. fraud-risk assessment for the purposes of PGPA rule 2014 s10(a), and
    2. fraud/compliance audit implemented for purposes of s109(b/d) of the rule per calendar year from 2016 to 2019 inclusively from the Fair Work Ombudsman.
    		  IA-1390
    IA-1154 18/03/2020 Documents produced between 18/09/19 and 14/01/20 regarding the processing of the applicant’s previous FOI request about the assistance the FWO has provided to subclass 417 visa holders, who have undertaken three months of regional work for second-year Working Holiday visa purposes. To access the relevant documents, please contact foi@fwo.gov.au
    IA-1109 20/12/2019 The final report (or equivalent final review document) that underpins the announcement in the June 2019 media release about the FWO’s investigation relating to drivers engaged by Uber Australia. To access the relevant documents, please contact foi@fwo.gov.au
    IA-1025 08/10/2019 Documents relating to the FWO's opinion that led to the press release about the FWO's investigation into the engagement of drivers engaged by Uber Australia Pty Ltd To access the relevant documents, please contact foi@fwo.gov.au
    IA-1013 26/09/2019 Documents relating to the FWO’s investigation into the engagement of drivers by Uber Australia Pty Ltd - including phone contact with Uber representatives and the number of drivers interviewed. To access the relevant documents, please contact foi@fwo.gov.au
    FOI-1040 05/04/2019 Correspondence of the then Workplace Authority concerning the certification of the Tindsec Labour Hire Pty Ltd Collective Agreement. FOI-1040
    FOI-1018 03/04/2019 Any documents from the archives of the Workplace Authority held by the FWO which relate to the Djooraminda Cottage Carers' Collective Workplace Agreement. FOI-1018
    FOI-000982 17/12/2018 Communications between the office of the Minister for Jobs and Industrial Relations and the office of the Fair Work Ombudsman created between 1 and 15 October 2018 relating to the union rallies held in October 2018. To access the relevant documents, please contact foi@fwo.gov.au
    FOI-000933 12/11/2018 Written communications between the FWO and Housing Industry Association Ltd between 15/11/2011 and 29/08/2016 and Pay Rate Guides published in 2014, 2015 and 2016 for the Building Construction General On-Site Award 2010, Plumbing and Fire Sprinkles Award 2010 and the Joinery and Building Trades Award 2010 and any superseded versions. To access the relevant documents, please contact foi@fwo.gov.au
    FOI-000976 01/11/2018 A copy of FWO's Conflict of Interest Policy. To access the relevant documents, please contact foi@fwo.gov.au
    FOI-000793 13/03/2018 Email correspondence between the Fair Work Ombudsman, Ms Natalie James and the Australian Public Service Commissioner, Mr John Lloyd (in his capacity as Public Service Commissioner or otherwise), between the period of 8 December 2014 to the 31 December 2017. To access the relevant documents, please contact foi@fwo.gov.au
    FOI-000770 19/02/2018 Documents relating to the 2013 MOU between the Fair Work Ombudsman and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. To access the relevant documents, please contact foi@fwo.gov.au
    FOI-000772 05/02/2018  Information relating to temporary migrant workers who are working in Australia in breach of their visa.  FOI-772
    FOI-000771 29/01/2018  Documents relating to the sharing of data and information between the DIBP and FWO in relation to Taskforce Cadena.  FOI-771
    FOI-000768 27/12/2017  Correspondence sent between the FWO's Media Director and the office of the Minister for Employment on 24 October 2017.   FOI-768
     FOI-000767  27/12/2017 Communication between the FWO's Media Director and the office of the Minister for Employment between 16 October and 25 October 2017.   FOI-767
    FOI-000642 16/06/2017 Email or formal communication between Domino's Pizza and the FWO in relation to media releases about the 2011 and 2014 Proactive Compliance Deeds (PCD's) - including any draft copies of media releases regarding the 2011 and 2014 PCD's. To access the relevant documents, please contact foi@fwo.gov.au
    FOI-000671 30/05/2017 Changes made to the FWO 'Our role' page on the FWO website between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2016 FWO 'Our role' website page changes in 2016
    FOI-000657 27/04/2017 Information regarding changes made to the FWO 'Our role' page in the year of 2015. Changes made to the 'Our role' page on FWO website in 2015
    FOI-000564 28/10/2016 A summary of P3M3 assessments conducted by the FWO for the 2014-16 period. Portfolio, Program and Project Management Capability Report - October 2016
    FOI-000493 29/07/2016 Documents relating to the approval of the 2013 McDonald's Enterprise Agreement. To access the relevant documents, please contact foi@fwo.gov.au
    FOI-000513 13/07/2016 A summary of claims relating to Mulpha Hotel Pty Ltd (trading as Hayman Island) from January 2011. Summary of issues raised against Mulpha Hotel Pty Ltd with FWO Jan 2011 and Dec 2015
    FOI-000433 01/04/2016 A copy of the 'complaints database' in .CSV format for complaints received from 01.01.15 to 11.02.16 containing no identifying details but including information about age, gender and the customer's State. To access the relevant document, please contact foi@fwo.gov.au
    FOI-000439 11/03/2016 Iluka FoodWorks (The Retailer Association) Employee Collective Agreement - AC327483  Foodworks Iluka Collective Agreement
    FOI-000362 22/10/2015 Documents generated by FWO as a result of attending the FWC on 6 and 7 July 2015 in matter C2015/4570 Documents generated by FWO as a result of attending the FWC on 6 and 7 July 2015 in matter C2015/4570
    FOI-000385 16/10/2015 Collective Agreement CAE073876288 - Employee Collective Agreement Restaurant [Nikos Tavern] 2007 Collective Agreement CAE073876288 - Employee Collective Agreement Restaurant [Nikos Tavern] 2007
    FOI-000373 13/10/2015 Submission form for Tron Civil Contracting Pty Ltd 2009-2014 Employee Collective Agreement (CAEN096160596) lodged with the Workplace Authority FOI-000373 - Tron Civil Contracting Pty Ltd
    FOI-000329 22/05/2015 A copy of the monthly 457 reports recording, referring or relating to Fair Work Inspectors exercising powers under the Migration Act between 1 October 2014 and 31 January 2015

    457 Visa Monitoring - October 2014

    457 Visa Monitoring - November 2014

    457 Visa Monitoring - December 2014

    457 Visa Monitoring - January 2015
    FOI-000333 23/04/2015 The originating application for approval of CAUN084822363 - Secondary Support Services Pty Ltd Dendrobium Workplace Agreement 2008  Declaration for CAUN084822363
    FOI-000322 17/03/2015 Information about FWO's IT recruitment since July 2009.  IT Recruitment Report - 13 Mar 2015
    FOI-000317 23/12/2014 For 2013/14 - the number of FOI requests processed, the number of requests for which charges notices were issued under s. 29 of the FOI Act and the amount received for processing FOI applications.   Notice of Decision - Freedom of Information Request 
    FOI-000309 26/11/2014 A copy of the monthly 457 reports recording, referring or relating to Fair Work Inspectors exercising powers under the Migration Act between 1 July 2014 and 30 September 2014  457 Visa Monitoring - Details Report (1.7.14 to 30..14)
    FOI-000295 28/08/2014 Monthly reports provided to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection recording, referring or relating to the Fair Work Inspectors exercising powers under the Migration Act between 18 September 2013 and 30 June 2014.   457 Visa Monitoring - Details Report (18.9.13 to 30.6.14)
    FOI-000290 22/07/2014 Details of any complaints or infringements lodged against Bertram Supa IGA, Bertram Supermarket or Seascapes IGA Details of any complaints or infringements lodged against Bertram Supa IGA, Bertram Supermarket or Seascapes IGA
    FOI-000250 19/12/2013 FWO’s 2013 P3M3 external assessment – detailing the P3M3 maturity levels (project, programme and portfolio management maturity).

    FWO’s latest Capability Improvement Plan – detailing in particular the P3M3 targets.    		 FWO P3M3 Self-Assessment 2013

    P3M3 Annual Reporting Template 2013 

    FWO Capability Improvement Plan 2013-2014 
    FOI-000013  25/10/2013 Documents provided to the FWO by the Australian Skydive Group To access relevant documents, please contact foi@fwo.gov.au
    FOI-000209 09/09/2013 Documents relating to Contract Notice CN1515661 (Services Contract between the Fair Work Ombudsman and the Transport Workers’ Union of Australia) To access relevant documents, please contact foi@fwo.gov.au
    FOI-000192 20/06/2013 Graduate Project 2012 – Investigating strategies for engagement with young Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander workers Investigating strategies for engagement with young Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander workers
    FOI-000088 11/10/2013 Breakdown of 2012-2013 budget Breakdown of 2012 - 2013 budget
    FOI-000047 31/08/2012 FWO Guidance Notes All Guidance Notes are publically available at www.fairwork.gov.au
    FOI-000021 30/07/2012 Information assisting the identification of possible discrimination contraventions To access relevant documents please contact foi@fwo.gov.au
    DM7-246457 15/03/2012 Staff survey reports and commentary of results Staff survey reports and commentary of results
    DM7-210367 12/09/2011 Report of a Review of Community Based Employment Advice Services Report of a Review of Community Based Employment Advice Services

    Source reference: Freedom of Information Act 1982

    Tools and resources

    Related information

    Have a workplace problem?

    Problems can happen in any workplace. If you have a workplace problem, we have tools and information to help you resolve it.

    Check out our Fixing a workplace problem section for practical information about:

    • working out if there is a problem
    • speaking with your employer or employee about fixing the problem
    • getting help from us if you can't fix the problem.

    Help for small business