Fair Work Infoline: 13 13 94
Media Release
3rd Dec 2009
Fair Work Information Statement to help create
better Australian workplaces
Australian workers now have a new tool to help them better understand their
workplace rights.
A Fair Work Information Statement (FWIS) has been released by the federal Fair
Work Ombudsman.
Fair Work Ombudsman Nicholas Wilson says the statement aims to assist
employees to understand their minimum entitlements and other workplace issues.
“From January 1 next year, employers must provide a copy of the FWIS to all new
employees either before, or as soon as possible after, they start work,” he said.
“It is a two-page document which provides basic information for workers on
matters that will affect their employment and points to where they can find out
more.”
The Fair Work Act requires the Fair Work Ombudsman to publish a Fair Work
Information Statement explaining key aspects of Australia’s national workplace
relation system.
The Act provides a safety net of fair, relevant and enforceable minimum
employment terms and conditions through the National Employment Standards
(NES) that will come into effect on January 1, 2010.
The statement covers the following topics:
Minimum entitlements under the NES
Modern Awards
Agreement-making
Individual flexibility arrangements
Freedom of association and protection from discrimination
Termination of employment, including redundancy and other dismissals,
Union right of entry into workplaces, and
The role of the Fair Work Ombudsman and Fair Work Australia.
The Fair Work Information Statement can be downloaded from Fair Work Online
Mr Wilson says that with less than a month before important workplace relations
changes take place, Fair Work Online has been updated to assist employers and
employees alike with helpful information.
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Fair Work Infoline: 13 13 94
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A new-look Fair Work Online Homepage links web users directly to information on
four key areas – the Fair Work Information Statement, the National Employment
Standards, Modern Awards and Flexible Working Arrangements.
The Fair Work Ombudsman is an independent, statutory agency responsible for
educating employers and employees about workplace rights and obligations,
ensuring compliance with workplace laws and where appropriate, commencing
proceedings for contraventions.
Information is also available from the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 from 8am to
6pm weekdays.
Media inquiries:
Craig Bildstien, Director Media & Stakeholder Relations 0419 818 484 Email:
craig.bildstien@fwo.gov.au
Ryan Pedler: Mob: 0434 365 924; Email: ryan.pedler@fwo.gov.au
NEWS 
