Fair Work Australia

Australia's new industrial relations system began operation on 1 July 2009 with the commencement of the Fair Work Act. This new law replaces 'WorkChoices' and establishes new legal obligations which you and your business must now meet.

As a small business employer, it is imperative that you understand the impact of these new obligations on your business as fines and other penalties may be imposed by the new industrial relations regulator, Fair Work Australia, if you do not follow the rules carefully.

This section of the Fair Work for Small Business Portal will help you understand the role, powers and responsibilities of Australia's new industrial relations regulator, Fair Work Australia, and its companion organisation, the Fair Work Ombudsman. These new bodies have replaced the Australian Industrial Relations Commission and the Fair Work Ombudsman and this section explains everything you now need to know.

Specific topics covered in this section include:

  • The role of Fair Work Australia and the Fair Work Ombudsman in the new industrial relations system
  • The powers and responsibilities which have been granted to these new bodies
  • The situations when you and your employees are most likely to come into contact with these bodies
  • The role of Fair Work Australia 'Members' and Fair Work Ombudsman 'Inspectors'
  • What to do if you are issued with a Compliance Notice by the Fair Work Ombudsman or have an employee lodge a claim against you with Fair Work Australia

There are a number of resources available to you within this section of the Portal:

  • A 2 minute presentation outlining the key functions of these two new bodies
  • A 30 minute presentation containing more detailed information about the work performed by both Fair Work Australia and the Fair Work Ombudsman
  • Registration for live and interactive webinars with experts to learn more about these bodies and how they relate to you and your small business
  • A downloadable White Paper and a comprehensive FAQ document
  • Each 2 minute overview presentation and 30 minute webinar will have translations available in Arabic, Cantonese, Greek, Italian, Mandarin and Vietnamese

We trust you will find these resources helpful and informative.

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