Minister announces the start of Fair Work
On 1 July 2009, the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Julia Gillard announced the first day of operation of Fair Work, the one stop shop for education, information and advice on all aspects of the new workplace relations system.
Fair Work will support the new workplace relations laws and will oversee the practical operation of the Fair Work Act 2009.
Fair Work comprises the national tribunal, Fair Work Australia, and the Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman and will be fully operational by 1 January 2010.
Fair Work Australia will have the power to vary awards, make minimum wage orders, approve agreements, determine unfair dismissal claims and make orders on such matters as good faith bargaining and industrial action. This will help employees and employers resolve disputes at the workplace.
The Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman will promote harmonious, productive and cooperative workplace relations. It will have a strong focus on advice and education for employers and employees, as well as a strong inspectorate service.
The Australian Government is committed to establishing a uniform workplace relations system for the private sector and continues to work with the states and territories to achieve this.
The new workplace relations system is designed to balance the needs of employees and employers to ensure Australia is competitive and prosperous, without taking away workplace rights and basic conditions.
For more information about Fair Work Australia and the Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman visit Fair Work Online.
For information on the new workplace relations system please see Workplace Relations' Fact Sheets page.