About dispute resolution
On this page:
- How can Fair Work Australia assist in dispute resolution?
- Who can seek assistance from Fair Work Australia?
- What types of disputes can be referred to Fair Work Australia?
How can Fair Work Australia assist in dispute resolution?
Members of Fair Work Australia (FWA) are experienced in a wide range of alternative dispute resolution techniques including conciliation, mediation and arbitration.
They are skilled in helping employers and employees resolve workplace disputes and can suggest means of resolving differences that may not have been immediately apparent to those directly involved.
They are also impartial and have a sound knowledge and understanding of the relevant legal and industrial issues.
Depending on the circumstances, FWA can exercise statutory powers that enable disputes to be resolved on a final basis.
Who can seek assistance from Fair Work Australia?
In general, Fair Work Australia can assist in resolving disputes involving employers, employees and unions and employer associations who are covered by the national workplace relations system.
These include:
- any employer that is a constitutional corporation
- any employer in Victoria or the territories
- the Commonwealth (including any Commonwealth authority)
- any employee of one of the above types of employers
- a registered union or employer organisation.
Unsure if you are covered?
- Contact the FWA Help Line on 1300 799 675 to see if you may be able to seek assistance from Fair Work Australia.
What types of disputes can be referred to Fair Work Australia?
The main types of disputes that can be referred to Fair Work Australia are:
- disputes under the terms of an award or a collective or enterprise agreement
- bargaining disputes, and
- disputes arising under the general protections provisions of the Fair Work Act 2009.
