Australia

The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) is an independent body in Australia, and its main job is to regulate compliance with workplace laws under the Commonwealth Government. The watchdog was formed on 1 July 2009 under the Fair Work Act 2009 to provide harmonious industrial relations in Australia. The watchdog performs two main functions in the industrial relations structure of Australia. First, it works as an educator, providing free information to employers and employees about minimum wages, entitlements and modern awards. Second, it acts as a watchdog, punishing employers for non-compliance with the law.

We achieve this by auditing and investigating businesses that have the mandate to ensure employees receive accurate payment, leave, and other entitlements. The Fair Work Ombudsman offers free advice on interpreting the law to ensure fair treatment of the workforce. Breaches are tackled through the use of compliance notices, fines and enforceable undertakings, and through prosecuting businesses that violate the law in the federal courts to ensure they get financial penalties for such violations.