Compliance and the Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman continues the work of the Workplace Ombudsman in promoting and monitoring compliance with Commonwealth Workplace Laws.

The inspection power is the primary compliance tool and it is being utilised widely and often. Fair work inspectors, appointed by the Ombudsman, investigate and enforce compliance with applicable awards. Employers will receive letters advising of these inspections, many of which are randomly conducted.

This is the cornerstone of a policy which attempts to achieve compliance by encouraging voluntary rectification of breaches where possible.

This process of compliance audits is additional to the established investigative role. The system continues to encourage the making of individual complaints which can trigger an investigation that can culminate in prosecution.