Our policies
Find out more information about our internal policies, procedures and plans around:
How we do our work
Guidance notes
Guidance notes are our interpretations of the laws we enforce and internal policies and procedures we have in place.
FWO Guidance Note 7 was finalised after public consultation.
Our Compliance and enforcement policy has replaced Guidance notes 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8. Go to the Compliance and enforcement policy page for more information.
Our Media Policy (DOCX 135.8KB) (PDF 178KB) explains why and how we engage with the media.
Our Information Access Policy has replaced Guidance note 2. Go to the Accessing our information page for more information.
Regulator Performance Framework Key Performance Indicators
The Australian Government released the Regulator Performance Framework (the Framework) as part of 2014 Spring Repeal Day on 22 October 2014. The Framework is an important part of the government's commitment to reducing the cost of unnecessary or inefficient regulation imposed on individuals, business and community organisations by at least $1 billion a year.
Read more about the Framework, and see how we've performed against the Key Performance Indicators, on the Regulator Performance Framework page.
Legislative instruments and delegations
Legislative instruments and delegations outline the powers and responsibilities of certain individuals within FWO.
Procedures for handling suspected breaches of the code of conduct
This sets out how we:
- handle breaches of the Australia Public Service code of conduct
- decide on the sanctions (if any), when an employee breaches the code of conduct.
Download the procedures:
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Who we work with
We work with many different government agencies, employer and employee organisations and various authorities to promote and enforce compliance with workplace laws.
If during the course of our work we become aware of situations or issues that may be relevant to another government agency or authority, we may refer that information to the appropriate agency or authority. For example, we have an agreement with the Department of Home Affairs 
about visa protections for migrant workers in some circumstances. See Visa holders & migrants for more information.
If we identify issues that may be criminal in nature, we refer this information to the Australian Federal Police using a set referral process . For example, this may occur if we :
- are investigating a matter and we identify that there may be suspected people trafficking involved, or
- identify breaches of the Fair Work Act 2009 that are criminal offences, such as when an employer or employee organisation gives, receives or solicits bribes. For more information about these offences, visit the Registered Organisation Commission's corrupting benefits page .
Sometimes our agreement to work with another organisation is formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding.
Memorandums of Understanding
Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are created between us and other organisations. These are made publically available with permission from the other organisation and are provided below.
Accommodation Association of Australia
Australian Defence Force
Australian Hotels Association
Australian Security Industries Association Limited
Department of Immigration and Citizenship
Fair Work Agencies
National Union of Workers
Recruitment and Consulting Services Association
Regulation and Contract Management, South Australian Department of State Development
Restaurant and Catering Australia
Shop Distributive and Allied Employees Association
Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority
Relationship reports
We work closely with other organisations to achieve joint priorities.
Australian Securities and Investments Commission
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Accessing our information
This is our policy on accessing information that we hold.
Download the policy:
Visit the Accessing our information page for more information about accessing information under the Information Access Policy.
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Privacy
Privacy Policy
This is our policy on dealing with personal information.
Download the summary of the policy for an overview:
Download the policy:
Visit the Privacy page for more information on privacy when using our website.
Legal professional privilege policy
This is a guide on how we deal with claims for Legal Professional Privilege.
Download the policy:
Procedures for handling public interest disclosures
This sets out how we handle public interest disclosures.
Download the procedures:
For further information about making a public interest disclosure, or if you’d like to contact an officer authorised to receive public interest disclosures, email PublicInterestDisclosure@fwo.gov.au
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Diversity and inclusion
Workplace diversity and inclusion strategy
Our Workplace diversity and inclusion strategy sets out how we will achieve our goals to:
- have the most engaged staff in the Australian Public Service
- be a model Australian workplace
- improve our services to the Australian community.
Download the strategy:
Multicultural Access and Equity Action Plan
Our Multicultural Access and Equity Action Plan ensures that everyone who deals with us gets equal access to our services, including people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Download the plan:
Reconciliation Action Plan
Our Reconciliation action plan sets out how we will:
- build and support a culturally diverse and inclusive workforce, which understands and appreciates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture
- ensure our approach to delivering workplace relations service and advice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, employers and employees will be culturally relevant, respectful and inclusive.
Download the plan:
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