Fair Work Act 2009
Short title: FW Act
In plain English
The Fair Work Act 2009 sets out minimum standards for Australian workplaces, including pay, conditions, and dispute resolution.
This Act establishes a national system for workplace relations. It covers most private sector employers and employees. It sets minimum wages and conditions. It provides a framework for enterprise bargaining. It establishes the Fair Work Commission to resolve disputes. The Act commenced in 2009.
Why it matters
This Act impacts how you manage employees. Understanding your obligations helps avoid disputes and ensures a fair workplace. Compliance supports a productive and positive work environment for everyone.
AI-assisted summary, grounded in the source link below. Generated 2026-05-23 via gemma3:12b.
Summary
Federal workplace relations Act. Covers National Employment Standards (NES), modern awards, enterprise agreements, unfair dismissal + general protections + bullying + sexual harassment jurisdiction (Pt 6-4B). 2024 Closing Loopholes amendments added: right to disconnect (s 333M), criminal wage theft (s 327A from 1 Jan 2025), casual conversion (s 66B), labour-hire same-job-same-pay.
Topics
Administered by
Source: https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2009A00028/latest. Rules Mate summarises and links; we don't republish full statutory text. Always verify against the live source before acting.