A Fair Work Ombudsman investigation looks at employment records and documents to find out the facts of a workplace complaint and to decide if relevant parties have complied with Commonwealth workplace laws.
During an investigation, a Fair Work Inspector aims to find out whether someone has failed to comply and, if so:
- who failed to comply
- what’s needed to fix the problem.
Investigations generally start because a complaint is made to us.
Sometimes, we choose to audit particular industries or workplaces, even when no one has made a complaint.
Note: From the commencement of the national workplace relations system on 1 January 2010, the Fair Work Ombudsman works in partnership with its state government counterparts in NSW, QLD, SA and TAS to effectively manage the investigation into your complaint. This means that in those states if your complaint is about pay and conditions, it will be investigated by a Fair Work Inspector who works for either the Fair Work Ombudsman or a partnering state government agency.
In this section:
From assisted voluntary resolution, to a full investigation, then to litigation. Find out what’s involved in an investigation by Fair Work Inspectors.
Fair Work Inspectors have a range of powers to ensure compliance with Commonwealth workplace laws.
Our investigation process - independent and impartial.
From penalties to infringement notices and how to pay.