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  • Call our employer helpline. We give free initial advice to business owners about your responsibilities and rights under the Fair Work Act.

  • Ask us anything. Tell us your concerns. It's entirely confidential. We're here to help you get back to business.

  • Proudly independent. We are not affiliated with the Australian Government.

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Got a question? Call our 24/7 Helpline.

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Describe your problem and we'll help solve it with straightforward, general advice.

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We can also meet with you at your workplace to discuss how Employsure's paid services can help you navigate complex issues.

"I used to Google, then I called Employsure's fair work helpline"

What does 'Fair Work' mean? The term comes from the Fair Work Act 2009, which is the law for Australia's workplace relations system. Key features of the Fair Work Act include minimum standards and wages, unfair protection laws and agencies like the Fair Work Ombudsman and Fair Work Commission.

Chances are you need a bit of help navigating Australia's Fair Work system. After all, our awards framework is one of the most complicated wages systems in the world. While most countries have just one minimum wage, Australia has hundreds.

As a business owner or manager, you need to be 100% sure you're paying your staff the right amount. It's too easy to get wages wrong. Don't risk trusting the wrong advice.

I called to get clarification on an award and was absolutely amazed at the quality of the free information they provided. Very informative and helpful.

Julie

Julie - Racing Services QLD

Employsure Customer

Concerned about recent updates to the Fair Work system? We can help.

1300 838 427Ask a Question

Employsure wants to see small businesses succeed.

Thriving small businesses are good for everybody. But Australia's Fair Work workplace relations system is hard to understand. Businesses sink time and money into figuring it out. Often, they make costly mistakes. Employsure can help you better understand our workplace relations system and make sure you're always up-to-date and clear on the latest Fair Work legislative changes, including the temporary JobKeeper changes to the Fair Work Act. We can also give you peace of mind knowing someone has your back. Call us today and see how we can help.

More than 30,000 business owners trust Employsure's expert advice on the Fair Work workplace relations system.

1300 838 427Send an Enquiry

Why is the Employer Helpline Free?

Because we're confident you'll find the Employsure experience so beneficial, we're happy to offer this initial consultation free of charge.

This way, if you encounter more complex, ongoing issues with the Fair Work Act, you'll already know that Employsure are the experts you can trust.

Besides, who do you have to support you?

If you have a question, who can you call?

We are here to be your support and adviser. We only work with employers. Nobody else. We work with thousands of businesses like yours. We're on your side.

Ask us anything. Tell us what you're thinking. It's entirely confidential. Let's work together.

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Top quality advice and attentive service

Employsure's specialists are available 24/7. No matter what your fair work issue, we're here to help. Peace of mind is just a phone call away ...

1300 838 427Send an Enquiry

Over 30,000 business owners trust Employsure's specialist advice

Employsure takes the complexity out of workplace laws to help small business employers protect their business and their people.

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FAQs

What is the role of Fair Work Australia?

Fair Work Australia is the former name of the Fair Work Commission.

The Fair Work Commission is Australia's national workplace relations tribunal. The Fair Work Commission is the independent body responsible for:

  • setting wage rates;
  • creating and changing modern awards;
  • approving enterprise agreements; and
  • resolving disputes
What is the purpose of the National Employment Standards?

The National Employment Standards form part of a safety net that serves to provide fair, relevant and enforceable minimum terms and conditions of employment.

What are modern awards?

Modern Awards are legal documents that outline minimum pay rates and conditions of employment for employers and employees in a particular industry or occupation.

What is the Fair Work Commission?

The Fair Work Commission is Australia's national workplace relations tribunal. The Fair Work Commission is an independent body, responsible for:

  • setting minimum wage rates;
  • creating and changing modern awards;
  • approving enterprise agreements; and
  • resolving disputes including unfair dismissal claims.
Who set up the Fair Work Commission?

The Fair Work Commission was established by the federal Labor government in 2009.

What is the role of Fair Work Ombudsman?

The Fair Work Ombudsman is an agency of the Australian Government that serves to provide advice and information in relation to the federal workplace relations system.

The Fair Work Ombudsman has the power to enforce workplace laws. They may also seek penalties for breaches of workplace laws.

The Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman is currently held by Sandra Parker.

What is the difference between the Fair Work Ombudsman and the Fair Work Commission?

The Fair Work Commission is an independent body, responsible for:

  • setting minimum wage rates;
  • creating and changing modern awards;
  • approving enterprise agreements; and
  • resolving disputes including unfair dismissal claims.

This is distinct from the Fair Work Ombudsman, which is responsible for:

  • investigates workplace complaints
  • conducting audits to ensure compliance
  • enforcing the Fair Work Act 2009.
What does the Fair Work Act do?

The Fair Work Act 2009 is the legislation that regulates the federal workplace relations system.

The Fair Work Act 2009 sets out the terms and conditions of employment and sets out the rights and responsibilities of employees, employers and employee organisations in relation to that employment.

Why was the Fair Work Act 2009 introduced?

The Fair Work Act 2009 was introduced to govern Australia's workplace relations system and legislate for the entitlements available to Australian workers.

The legislation aims to provide a safety net of minimum entitlements and enable flexible working arrangements and fairness at work.

What does the Fair Work Act 2009 cover?

The Fair Work Act 2009 covers 'national system' employees and employees. Employment that is not covered under the national industrial relations system is regulated by the relevant state legislation. Whether an employer is a national system employer depends on the location of the employment relationship (state or territory) and, in some cases, the legal status and business of the employer. The Fair Work Act 2009 covers the rights and responsibilities of employees, employers and employees' organisations in relation to employment.

What are employer responsibilities under the Fair Work Act 2009?

All Australian employers are required to meet their obligations contained within the Fair Work Act 2009.

The responsibilities are wide ranging and include, but are not limited, to:

  • abiding by the minimum entitlements contained within the National Employment Standards and any applicable modern award;
  • paying the appropriate wage;
  • keeping appropriate records (as prescribed within the Fair Work Regulations); and
  • not taking (or proposing to take) action against employees for prohibited reasons.

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