The Fair Work Ombudsman's Function

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Learn more about the FWO.

 

The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) is a government organisation that is completely autonomous. It clarifies the rights and duties of employers and workers under Australian workplace regulations. It also assists you in resolving workplace problems. All of its services are completely free!

 

What you can expect from the FWO

 

The FWO is available to assist and listen. It is possible for it to:

 

provide you with accurate information about your employment rights, such as pay rates; verify that your company is abiding with Australian workplace rules, such as paying you on time; provide advice and assistance on workplace concerns; and assist you in resolving workplace concerns.

 

The FWO provides assistance to overseas students.

 

International students in Australia enjoy the same employment rights as any other Australian workers. The FWO provides information and assistance to all Australian employees, including overseas students. If you need assistance, it is safe to contact the FWO.

 

You will not lose your visa if you speak with the FWO.

 

It is not the responsibility of the FWO to check your visa. The FWO can provide basic advice or report difficulties without revealing your identity. Even if you have broken your visa (for example, by working too many hours), the FWO can nevertheless assist you with concerns such as underpayment.

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If you request it, the FWO can also share your information with the Department of HomeAffairs, which will usually not terminate your visa unless there is evidence of a violation of your workplace rights.

 

The services of FWO are provided in a variety of languages.

 

When contacting the FWO, language is not an issue. You may use their services in a variety of languages for free.

 

The FWO provides services in a variety of languages.

 

When contacting the FWO, language is not a barrier. Their services are available in a variety of languages and are completely free to use.

 

Resources and links that are useful.

 

For more information on working in Australia as an international student, go to www.fairwork.gov.au/internationalstudents.

 

To explore how the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) may assist you with any issues regarding your employment rights, download the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) leaflet (PDF 727KB).

 

Take a look at this little film on working in Australia. It is accessible in a variety of languages.

 

To keep track of your working hours, use the free Record my Hours app. You may also use the app to keep track of other work-related information, such as your roster. This software is available in a total of 18 languages.

 

Get the app now! Fairwork Australia's app may be found at www.fairwork.gov.au/app.

 

To determine your right pay rate and other rights at work, use the PACT Calculator (Pay and Conditions Tool).

 

Find your reward here: https://calculate.fairwork.gov.au/findyouraward

 

The Role of the FWO brochure is accessible in many languages on our resource portal.

 

A great place to work

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As an international student, Australia is a fantastic location to work. You have the option of working while learning. This might be a good way to make some additional cash while also getting a sense of the local culture. Here are some things to keep in mind:

 

Working hours: During the school year, you can work up to 40 hours every two weeks, and during the holidays, you can work as many hours as you like.

 

Protections in the workplace: 

 

You are entitled to the same workplace safeguards as everyone else in Australia.

 

Minimum wage: No matter what work you have, you will be paid at least a minimum wage per hour.

 

Strong support: As a student worker, you will be supported at every step of the way. Government and corporate organisations, as well as your educational institution, are always willing to help.

 

Ideal work for students

These industries are good for students because of their flexible hours and abundance of opportunities:

 

Supermarkets, department shops, and boutiques are examples of retail.

Cafes, bars, restaurants, and food delivery are all examples of hospitality.

Fruit harvesting and farming are seasonal jobs.

Childcare, elderly care, and housekeeping are some of the services available.

Work in administration and clerical support

Tutoring services

You are entitled to the same workplace safeguards as everyone else in Australia.

Minimum wage: No matter what work you have, you will be paid at least a minimum wage per hour.

Strong support: As a student worker, you will be supported at every step of the way. Government and corporate organisations, as well as your educational institution, are always willing to help.

 

Volunteering and internships can help you gain valuable professional experience.

 

Students can also volunteer with charities and non-governmental organisations, which is a terrific opportunity to meet new people, obtain practical job experience, and give back to the community.

 

Start here for additional information: www.govolunteer.com.au.

 

Visit the following websites to learn about volunteer opportunities in each state and territory:

 

Australian Capital Territory (Canberra, ACT) - Volunteering and Contact ACT

New South Wales (NSW) - The Centre for Volunteering NSW

Northern Territory (NT) - Volunteering SA & NT

Queensland (QLD) - Volunteering Queensland

South Australia (SA) - Volunteering SA & NT

Tasmania (TAS) - Volunteering Tasmania

Victoria (VIC) - Volunteering Victoria

Western Australia (WA) - Volunteering WA

 

Internships, job experience, and volunteer opportunities are frequently available via your educational institution. Many towns and states also create and operate internship programmes or student entrepreneurship initiatives to help you get started with your own company. The Austrade report on Innovation in Employability summarises these initiatives and highlights some notable successes.

 

Work in Australia over the holidays

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International students can apply for a variety of visas that allow them to work while on vacation or studying in Australia. More information about working holiday visas may be found on the Department of Home Affairs' website.

 

After graduation, you can work in Australia.

 

If you want to work in Australia after you graduate, you'll need to apply for a new working visa before your current student visa expires. As a recently graduated overseas student, you may be entitled for the following benefits:

 

If you hold a Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral degree, you can apply for the Post-Study Work stream of the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485).

To apply for permission to stay in Australia as a professional worker under the Australian Government's SkillSelect programme.

 

 

Nominations for skilled and business migration are made by state and territory governments.

For further information, go to the Department of Home Affairs.