Fair Work Ombudsman

Outline of the Organisation

The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) is an independent Australian Government agency responsible for promoting harmonious, productive and cooperative workplace relations and ensuring compliance with national workplace laws. The FWO helps employers and employees understand their rights and obligations under the Fair Work Act, modern awards, enterprise agreements, and other workplace instruments.

A key focus for the FWO is education, prevention and early assistance. The FWO provides clear, practical information to help workplaces get things right, resolve issues early, and build fair and productive working relationships.

The FWO also receives and assesses reports of potential non-compliance and has powers to investigate breaches of workplace laws. Where necessary, the FWO can take enforcement action, with an emphasis on achieving lawful, sustainable and long-term compliance.

The FWO works closely with industry, small business, unions, community organisations and government partners to support vulnerable workers and improve workplace practices across Australia.

Through targeted engagement, education campaigns and strategic use of compliance tools, the FWO aims to create a level playing field for employers while protecting employee entitlements.

Value / Support Offered to Small Businesses

The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) provides a wide range of free services, tools and resources designed specifically to support small businesses with workplace compliance. The FWO recognises that small business owners often manage many responsibilities and need information that is practical, easy to understand and accessible.

The FWO offers online tools such as pay, leave and notice calculators, award summaries, templates, checklists and step-by-step guides to help employers meet their obligations with confidence. These resources are written in clear language and are regularly updated to reflect current workplace laws.

Small businesses can also access the FWO’s Employer Advisory Service, which provides tailored, one-on-one assistance to help employers understand their obligations, resolve issues early and build compliant workplace practices. In addition, the Small Business Showcase is a one stop hub that brings together key small business tools and resources in one place. It is supported by case studies that help employers understand how to apply workplace laws in real situations

All of the FWO’s services are confidential, free of charge, and are designed to help small businesses prevent problems, save time, and create fair and productive workplaces.

Key Contact Details
Contact the Fair Ombudsman online at fairwork.gov.au, find out more about their Small Business Showcase at fairwork.gov.au/smallbusiness, call on 13 13 94 – and if you are a small business and want to talk to our Employer Advisory Service, make sure you request this when you call.

You can also access services in your language by contacting the FWO through the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450. Information and resources on the FWO’s website are also available in your language at fairwork.gov.au/language-help