The Fair Work Ombudsman is an independent statutory office created by the Fair Work Act 2009.
Our functions include promoting harmonious, productive and cooperative workplace relations and ensuring compliance with Commonwealth workplace laws.
In exercising these functions, we:
- offer people a single point of contact for them to get accurate and timely advice and information about Australia’s workplace relations system
- educate people working in Australia about their workplace rights and obligations
- investigate complaints or suspected contraventions of workplace laws, awards and agreements
- litigate to enforce workplace laws and deter people from doing wrong in the community.
We also manage Fair Work Online - your gateway to workplace laws in Australia.
Who we replace
We replace and continue the work of the following Australian Government agencies:
- Workplace Ombudsman
- Workplace Authority - general advisory function.
Although governed separately, our day-to-day operations integrate with Fair Work Australia, Australia's new independent tribunal on Commonwealth workplace laws.
Powers of Fair Work Inspectors
Our Fair Work Inspectors help employers, employees, contractors and organisations (eg. unions and employer associations) understand and comply with the new Commonwealth workplace laws.
Fair Work Inspectors have strong and effective powers that let them perform their functions and make sure people comply with workplace laws.
What can Fair Work Inspectors investigate:
Where necessary, we also take steps to enforce workplace laws through the court system.
Contact us
We offer national workplace advice and information through: