Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman plays a key role in fostering cooperative, productive workplace environments. It provides guidance to employers and employees about their rights and responsibilities, helps resolve workplace disputes, and ensures legal compliance in employment practices. The Ombudsman also offers resources and support to understand and apply workplace laws correctly.

What the Fair Work Ombudsman does

The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) is the national workplace regulator. It gives free information on pay and conditions, publishes pay guides and the Fair Work Information Statement, investigates complaints and can take enforcement action, such as issuing compliance notices, accepting enforceable undertakings and taking employers to court. It is separate from the Fair Work Commission, which is the tribunal. For example, if an employee complains about unpaid wages, the FWO may contact the employer and ask for time and wage records.

Read our guide to the Fair Work Ombudsman, or book an HR compliance audit to check your records first.