National workplace relations system

The national workplace relations system forms the legal framework of employment in Australia. It includes key legislations like the Fair Work Act 2009, which sets the standards for fair work practices. The National Employment Standards outline fundamental employee rights while registered agreements and awards specify pay and conditions for different industries and jobs. This system ensures a uniform and fair approach to employment across the country.

Who is in the national system?

The national system covers private sector employers in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, the ACT and the Northern Territory, and trading companies (constitutional corporations) in Western Australia. Sole traders, partnerships and some other employers in Western Australia are covered by the state system instead, as are some state and local government employers. For example, a Brisbane sole trader with two employees is in the national system, but the same business in Perth is not.

Read our guide to the Fair Work Act.