Governance
Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO)
Australia's national workplace relations regulator.
Definition
The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) is the independent statutory agency responsible for promoting harmonious, productive, and cooperative workplace relations in Australia. Its role includes educating employers and employees about their rights and obligations, investigating complaints, and enforcing compliance with the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) and related instruments. Under the new wage theft laws, the FWO is responsible for investigating suspected criminal underpayment offences, though prosecutions are handled by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) or the Australian Federal Police (AFP).