Workplace issues
There are a number of issues that affect employers and employees in the workplace.
Employee entitlements schemes
If you have lost your job due to the insolvency or bankruptcy of your former employer, and you believe you are owed outstanding employee entitlements you may be eligible for one of the following Australian Government schemes.
- General Employee Entitlements and Redundancy Scheme (GEERS)
The General Employee Entitlements and Redundancy Scheme (GEERS) is a basic payment scheme established to assist employees who have lost their employment due to the liquidation or bankruptcy of their employer and who are owed certain employee entitlements.
Freedom of association
All employers, workers and independent contractors are free to become, or not to become, members of an industrial association, such as a union.
- Freedom of Association
The Workplace Ombudsman explains your right to freedom of association. You can download a fact sheet for more information on freedom of association.
Occupational health and safety
Information on the prevention of workplace death, injury and disease in Australia.
- Australian Safety and Compensation Council
The Australian Safety and Compensation Council (ASCC) leads and coordinates national efforts to: prevent workplace death, injury and disease; improve workers' compensation arrangements; and improve the rehabilitation and return to work of injured workers.
Need the help of the Workplace Ombudsman?
Underpaid or sacked? Forced into making an agreement or pressured to join or not join a union?
- The Workplace Ombudsman can investigate allegations of coercion and duress when making, varying and terminating a workplace agreement.
- For more information on coercion call 1300 724 200 or use the Live Help function to speak to an advisor.
Right of entry
Right of entry refers to the part of federal workplace law which regulates the right of organisations to represent their members in the workplace, hold discussions with potential members and investigate suspected breaches of workplace laws and instruments, including occupational health and safety requirements.
Employers, workers or officials who believe that the right of entry provisions have been breached can request assistance from the Workplace Ombudsman.