21 March 2018

The Fair Work Ombudsman is collaborating with the Multicultural Council of Tasmania (MCOT) to host a community event aimed at increasing multicultural communities’ awareness of the information and assistance available when it comes to workplace issues.

Here to help – the faces of your Government will be held from 4-6 pm tomorrow (Thursday, 22 March) at the Multicultural Hub in Moonah.

The Department of Social Services, Department of Home Affairs, Australian Tax Office, Tasmanian Police, WorkerAssist and WorkSafe Tasmania, as well as the FWO and MCOT, will participate.

The event will encourage community members to reach out to relevant government agencies when they need workplace information, advice or assistance.

Information relating to workplace rights, taxation, immigration, settlement services and workplace health and safety will be available at the event.

Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James says that her agency is committed to breaking down the barriers that people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds may face when seeking workplace assistance.

“We know that people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds may find it difficult to access the information they need, or may be reluctant to speak up when they have workplace concerns,” Ms James says.

“We want to ensure that everyone working in Australia is aware of their workplace rights and knows where and how to seek assistance.

“This event is an excellent opportunity for us to reach out to Tasmania’s growing multicultural community and make sure that they are aware of the wealth of free resources available from us and other government agencies to assist them in the workplace.”

Ms James says ensuring that workplace information and advice is available and accessible to all those who need it is a focus for her agency.

“We recently launched our website translator, which translates information on our website into 40 languages other than English at just the click of a button,” Ms James says.

“This new function complements the suite of professionally-translated content already available at www.fairwork.gov.au/languages.

“Last year we also delivered six in-language videos aimed at raising awareness of Australian workplace laws amongst visa-holders, and launched our International Student Strategy to ensure people studying and working in Australia are aware of their rights.

“We will continue to work to make it easier for all people working or running businesses in Australia to access workplace information and advice – regardless of which language they speak.”

Employers and employees seeking assistance can visit www.fairwork.gov.au or call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94. An interpreter service is available on 13 14 50.

Anonymous reports about workplace concerns can be made in English or 16 other languages at www.fairwork.gov.au/tipoff.

Follow Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James on Twitter @NatJamesFWO , the Fair Work Ombudsman @fairwork_gov_au or find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/fairwork.gov.au .

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Media inquiries:

Mira Millane, Media Adviser
Mobile: 0439 835 855
mira.millane@fwo.gov.au