Overview

On this page:

• What is Fair Work Australia's role?
• About the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009
• What has changed?

What is Fair Work Australia's role?

Fair Work Australia (FWA) is responsible for administering the provisions of the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009 (RO Act) which deal with registration and accountability of unions and employer associations registered under that Act. These are known as 'registered organisations'.

About the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009

The RO Act came into operation on 1 July 2009, and replaces Schedule 1 of the Workplace Relations Act 1996 (the RAO Schedule).

The new RO Act outlines the standards to be met by registered organisations in relation to rules, financial reporting, elections, conduct of officers and other matters.

In addition, Schedules 1 and 2 to the RO Act allow certain State-registered associations to apply to become 'transitionally recognised associations' or 'recognised State-registered associations', which enables them to participate in the federal system.

What has changed?

Many of the provisions in the RO Act replicate those in the RAO Schedule, however some of the terminology has altered.

The terms 'Industrial Registrar' and 'Registrar' are no longer used in the legislation. Many of the powers and duties in relation to registered organisations previously exercised by registrars are now exercised by the 'General Manager' of Fair Work Australia, or by persons to whom those powers and duties have been delegated in accordance with the Fair Work legislation.

The terms 'Industrial Registry' and 'registry' are no longer used and matters previously lodged in the Industrial Registry or a registry must now be lodged with Fair Work Australia.

A series of fact sheets are available dealing with various aspects of the legislation.