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3 STEPS TO ACCESS PENINSULA'S ADVICE:

1

Got a question? Call our 24/7 Helpline.

2

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

3

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

"I used to Google, then I called Employsure's (now Peninsula) 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 dismissal 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 a few different pay structures, Australia has 121 different awards.

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

Peninsula Customer

Peninsula wants to see small businesses succeed.

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

Why is the Fair Work Helpline free to employers?

Because we're confident you'll find the Peninsula 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 Peninsula are the experts you can trust.

When you need support, we're always here to help you with 24/7 client support.

You have questions, we have the right answers.

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.

The Defectors Employsure Client

Over 30,500 business owners trust Peninsula's specialist advice

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

Peninsula Accolades

Trust Pilot
2021 Feefo Award
2020 AHRA Award
2020 HRD Employer of Choice Award
Financial Review 2016 Most Innovative Companies

What our clients say

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Saccharomyces Beer Cafe

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"It's basically given me a HR consultant, I can just ask Peninsula and it confirms what I'm doing is right."

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Peninsula Client

"Not any manager can be an HR manager. Peninsula, have a technical support team 24/7. They know the regulations, they know the updated policies and procedures. So, why not?"

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"I can highly recommend working with Peninsula! They are available 24/7 for all employment and work, health and safety matters. Whenever I have a HR matter, I can give them a quick call and get advice, making sure that I deal with every matter sensitively and accurately."

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Fair Work Australia 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 and how do they work?

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 Anna Booth.

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:

  • investigating 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 regulates 'national system' employers 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.

Still Have Questions?

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