The Fair Work Ombudsman is a statutory office created by the Fair Work Act 2009.
The Fair Work Ombudsman's functions include promoting harmonious, productive and cooperative workplace relations and ensuring compliance with Commonwealth workplace laws. The services of the Fair Work Ombudsman are free to all workers and employers in Australia.
In exercising these functions, the Fair Work Ombudsman:
- offers people a single point of contact for them to get accurate and timely information about Australia's workplace relations system
- educates people working in Australia about fair work practices, rights and obligations
- investigates complaints or suspected contraventions of workplace laws, awards and agreements
- litigates to enforce workplace laws and deter people from doing wrong in the community
- builds strong and effective relationships with industry, unions and other stakeholders.
The Fair Work Ombudsman works closely with Fair Work Australia to ensure services are integrated, timely, relevant and accessible to all Australians.