Doc Summary
If you are working in Australia—whether you are a citizen, permanent resident, temporary visa holder or international student—the most reliable sources for workplace rights and safety information are Australia’s official regulators. The links below will help you check pay and conditions, workplace health and safety (WHS) requirements, how to get help, and how to report unsafe or unlawful conduct.
Quick answer: the authoritative places to start #
- Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) – pay, leave, National Employment Standards, awards, workplace rights and help to resolve issues.
- Fair Work Commission (FWC) – disputes, unfair dismissal, enterprise agreements and minimum wage decisions.
- Safe Work Australia – national WHS guidance, model laws, codes of practice and statistics.
- Your state or territory WHS regulator – to report incidents, request inspections and access local guidance (links below).
Understanding your workplace rights (pay, leave and conditions) #
The Fair Work Ombudsman is the primary source for employment rights in Australia. Use it to:
- Check your correct pay rate with the Pay and Conditions Tool (P.A.C.T.).
- Confirm your minimum entitlements under the National Employment Standards (NES).
- Find your applicable modern award or enterprise agreement.
- Get help if you are underpaid, not receiving payslips, or experiencing workplace issues.
For decisions on unfair dismissal, general protections, and enterprise bargaining, refer to the Fair Work Commission.
Workplace health and safety: national guidance and local enforcement #
WHS in Australia is guided nationally and enforced locally:
- National guidance: Safe Work Australia provides model WHS laws, codes of practice, and industry guidance.
- State and territory regulators: Contact your local regulator to report unsafe work, notifiable incidents, or to seek site-specific advice:
- SafeWork NSW
- WorkSafe Victoria
- Workplace Health and Safety Queensland
- WorkSafe WA
- SafeWork SA
- WorkSafe Tasmania
- WorkSafe ACT
- NT WorkSafe
Bullying, harassment, discrimination and respectful workplaces #
- For WHS risks including workplace bullying, see Safe Work Australia: Bullying and your state regulator.
- For discrimination, sexual harassment and human rights issues, consult the Australian Human Rights Commission.
- Some matters may also be handled by the Fair Work Commission’s anti-bullying jurisdiction.
Workers’ compensation and return to work #
Workers’ compensation is managed by state and territory schemes. Start with your local WHS regulator (links above) for claims, approved insurers, and return-to-work support.
Information for visa holders and international students #
- FWO guidance for visa holders and migrants: Visa holders and migrants.
- International students: you have the same workplace rights as other workers. Translation help is available via the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National).
- Your right to be paid correctly applies regardless of visa status. Seeking help from FWO does not affect your visa in most cases where you seek assistance in good faith.
Superannuation, payslips and record-keeping #
- Check employer super obligations with the Australian Taxation Office: ATO – Super for employers and ATO – Super for individuals.
- FWO explains payslips and record-keeping requirements.
How to report unsafe or unlawful work practices #
- Speak up internally if it is safe to do so (supervisor, HSR, HR).
- For safety hazards or incidents, contact your state/territory WHS regulator promptly (links above) and emergency services if there is immediate danger.
- For underpayments, sham contracting or entitlements, seek help from the Fair Work Ombudsman.
- For bullying or harassment, see FWC anti-bullying and WHS guidance.
- Keep records: payslips, rosters, messages, incident reports and medical notes if relevant.
How Skills Campus can help #
At Skills Campus, we support students, workers and migrants with clear pathways to study, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), and moving to Australia. If you need guidance understanding industry standards, qualifications that align with Australian regulations, or where to seek workplace assistance, our team can connect you with the right information and next steps.
Need personalised help? #
Contact Skills Campus for confidential guidance and tailored support: https://skillscampus.com.au/contact