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Key website links

FAIR WORK AUSTRALIA

On 1 July 2009 Fair Work Australia began operations as part of a new national workplace relations system underpinned by the Fair Work Act 2009.

Fair Work Australia is the national workplace relations tribunal. It is an independent body with power to carry out a range of functions relating to:

  • the safety net of minimum wages and employment conditions 
  • enterprise bargaining 
  • industrial action 
  • dispute resolution 
  • termination of employment 
  • other workplace matters.

The new system, which also involves the Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman and Fair Work divisions of the Federal Court and Federal Magistrates Court, replaces that which operated under the Workplace Relations Act 1996.

The transition to the new system is being implemented in stages. The Fair Work Australia website provides an overview of the major stages and to assist users affected by the transition.

http://www.fwa.gov.au/


FAIR WORK ONLINE

On this site you will find comprehensive information and advice about Australia’s new national workplace relations system.

There are specific links for “employers”, “employees” and “contractors” which all contain detailed information relevant to each entity.

On this website the user can find detailed information about: 

  • Pay, leave & conditions 
  • Awards 
  • Agreements 
  • Record keeping 
  • Termination of employment 
  • Unions 
  • Getting help with workplace disputes 
  • Industrial action 
  • The new Fair Work system

http://www.fairwork.gov.au


FAIR WORK OMBUDSMAN

This website explains the role of the FW Ombudsman i.e. to give advice and help people understand their workplace rights and responsibilities.

If a person has a question or problem relating to their workplace, this website contains pertinent information about what assistance is offered and what action the person can take.

The role of the Fair Work Ombudsman is to work with employees, employers, contractors and the community to promote harmonious, productive and cooperative workplaces. The Fair Work Ombudsman investigates workplace complaints and enforces compliance with Australia's workplace laws.

http://www.fwo.gov.au


THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT AND WORKPLACE RELATIONS (DEEWR)
DEEWR is the lead government agency providing national leadership in education and workplace training, transition to work and conditions and values in the workplace.
DEEWR is committed to providing easy and informative access to its services and support programs and works directly with clients and stakeholders to ensure expectations are met.
DEEWR is accountable to the Australian Government, Parliament and to the public and has as amongst its objectives: 

  • To increase workforce participation and promote fair and productive work practices. 
  • To develop national economic potential and capability that builds future economic prosperity and international competitiveness through skills development and employment growth. 
  • To look for efficiencies and innovative, targeted and effective solutions in developing national economic potential.

The website contains a link to the latest media releases issued by the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Education, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations and Minister for Social Inclusion, Julia Gillard.

http://www.deewr.gov.au/


AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS COMMISSION

Most of the AIRC’s former functions are now being performed by Fair Work Australia.

The AIRC will continue until 31 December 2009. Its functions include award modernisation and the finalisation of any cases lodged under the Workplace Relations Act 1996. Most of the content of the former AIRC website is now available on the Fair Work Australia website.

http://www.airc.gov.au/


AUSTRALIAN BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION COMMISSION (ABCC)

The main function of the ABCC is to support a workplace relations framework that ensures building work is carried out fairly, efficiently and productively and to ensure that workplace laws are upheld in the building and construction industry.

The ABCC achieves this by:

  • educating industry participants about their rights and responsibilities under workplace laws 
  • investigating suspected contraventions of the law, the National Code of Practice, federal agreements and awards 
  • instituting or intervening in proceedings when workplace laws are broken.

The website contains a series of fact sheets help building industry participants understand their rights and responsibilities under workplace laws including: 

  • the Building and Construction Industry Improvement Act 2005 
  • the Fair Work Act 2009 
  • the Independent Contractors Act 2006 
  • the National Code of Practice for the Construction Industry 
  • federal awards 
  • enterprise agreements.

http://www.abcc.gov.au/


AUSTRALIAN FAIR PAY COMMISSION

From 2006 to 2009 the Australian Fair Pay Commission was responsible for adjusting federal minimum and classification wages. Working as an independent body, the Commission undertook annual Minimum Wage Reviews and announced its Wage-Setting Decisions in July of each year. The Commission’s decisions drew on information gathered through consultations, submissions and research. Adjustments made to federal minimum wages flowed on to juniors, trainees, casual workers and employees with a disability.

This website provides access to all decisions and research of the Commission until 31 December 2009. After that they will be available from Fair Work Australia.

http://www.fairpay.gov.au/


AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRY GROUP

The Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) is the largest industry association in Australia.

Ai Group members operate small, medium and large businesses. They include many major Australian and global companies operating in a range of industries.

The organisation provides practical information, advice and assistance to help members run their businesses more effectively.

Ai Group professional staff includes workplace relations advisers, lawyers and employment and business specialists who provide services to members in the areas of: workplace relations; legal; human resource management; occupational health and safety; workers’ compensation; the environment and energy; international trade and export; economics; business growth and skills.

Ai Group staff has particular expertise in relation to the new Fair Work Act and what it means - for employers, for employees and for other stakeholders.

The website contains detailed practical information on a wide range of important workplace relations matters that affect business today including: 

  • The Fair Work Workplace Relations System 
  • Award Modernisation 
  • Common workplace relations questions (FAQs)

http://www.aigroup.com.au/