The role of Fair Work Australia is to provide the legislative framework to govern workplace laws in Australia. Typically implemented by bodies such as the Fair Work Commission and Fair Work Ombudsman, Fair Work ensures the safety and minimum entitlements of Australian workers.

The purpose of the National Employment Standards is to outline the 10 minimum entitlements that must be given to all workers in Australia. All Australian businesses must adhere to the National Employment Standards if employing staff in Australia.

Modern Awards cover the minimum wages and conditions for workers in various industries and occupations across Australia. Key aspects of Modern Awards include overtime, penalty rates, allowances, superannuation and leave entitlements. There are more than 120 Modern Awards in Australia, which are protected by the Fair Work Act 2009.

The biggest difference between WHS (Work Health and Safety) and OHS (Occupational Health & Safety) is a matter of terminology.

Occupational Health & Safety refers to the old framework of laws, which were different in each State and Territory. In January, 2012, this framework was replaced by the Work Health and Safety regime.

The Fair Work Commission (FWC) is Australia’s national workplace relations tribunal. The Fair Work Commission adjudicates on matters of employment law and acts independently of the Australian Government. It enforces the minimum entitlements outlined in the Fair Work Act 2009.

The Fair Work Commission was set up by the Australian Government in 2013 as part of widespread reforms to the national industrial relations system. Prior to that time it was known as Fair Work Australia.

The Fair Work Ombudsman is an agency of the Federal Government with the primary function of offering advice and education to employers on Australia’s workplace relations system. It was established in 2009 and also investigates workplace complaints and enforces compliance with national workplace laws. The Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman is currently held by Sandra Parker.

The Fair Work Commission administers the Fair Work Act 2009 and is involved in setting and varying industrial Awards, minimum wages, reviewing enterprise agreements and ruling on unfair dismissal claims. The Fair Work Ombudsman investigates workplace complaints, conducts audits to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and is the lead agency in enforcing the Fair Work Act 2009.

The Fair Work Act 2009 sets the legislative and statutory framework that governs Australia’s workplace relations system. It is Australia’s key piece of workplace relations legislation and guides the minimum entitlements and standards to all Australian workers.

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

The Fair Work Act 2009 covers Australia’s workplace relations system, outlining the rules, entitlements and obligations for employees and employers that define Australian workplaces. The Act also gives employees and employers a guaranteed safety net of fair, relevant and enforceable minimum terms and conditions through the National Employment Standards (NES), Modern Awards and National Minimum Wage orders.

As a minimum, all Australian employers are required to meet their obligations as outlined in the National Employment Standards, which are a key component of the Fair Work Act 2009. While specific terms and conditions will vary across industry and occupation, the Fair Work Act 2009 will set out responsibilities including pay rates, long service leave, working hours, parental leave, Modern Awards, redundancy and dismissal, amongst other provisions.