Overview

Australia’s workplace relations system, Fair Work, officially came into effect for employers and employees across Australia from 1 July 2009. 

The system is designed to balance the needs of employees, employers and unions and will allow workplaces to become more productive and competitive without taking away workplace rights and basic conditions.

Fair Work comprises the national tribunal, Fair Work Australia, and the Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman.

From 1 January 2010, the Fair Work laws will take full effect as a new safety net of minimum employment conditions and Modern awards are put into place.

  • For information and advice about your entitlements or obligations under the Fair Work system, please visit Fair Work Online or call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94.
  • For an overview of the Fair Work system policy, visit the Fair Work information page.
  • For further information on the Fair Work system policy, view the Fair Work fact sheets on the resources page.

Latest News

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Australia's Fair Work System

New safety net for employees from 1 January

From 1 January 2010 there is a new safety net for employees across Australia, making the Fair Work laws fully operational.

 

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Australia's Fair Work System

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...

 

Australia's Fair Work System

Transitional workplace relations legislation passed by Parliament

In June 2009, two key bills passed through Parliament which will ensure a smooth transition to Australia’s new workplace relations system.

The first bill – the Fair Work (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Bill 2009 – repeals the current Workplace Relations Act 1996 and sets out sensible and practical transitional provisions for the movement of employers and employees into the new system. 

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Information on Australia's New Workplace Relations System

For more detailed information on Australia's New Workplace Relations System can be viewed here.