Contents
Chapter 4—Compliance and enforcement 1
Part 4‑1—Civil remedies 1
Division 1—Introduction 1
537........................ Guide to this Part................................................................ 1
538........................ Meanings of employee and employer.................................. 2
Division 2—Orders 3
Subdivision A—Applications for orders 3
539........................ Applications for orders in relation to contraventions of civil remedy provisions 3
540........................ Limitations on who may apply for orders etc.................... 19
541........................ Applications for orders in relation to safety net contractual entitlements 21
542........................ Entitlements under contracts............................................. 21
543........................ Applications for orders in relation to statutory entitlements derived from contracts 22
544........................ Time limit on applications................................................. 22
Subdivision B—Orders 22
545........................ Orders that can be made by particular courts.................... 22
546........................ Pecuniary penalty orders................................................... 24
547........................ Interest up to judgment..................................................... 25
Division 3—Small claims procedure 26
548........................ Plaintiffs may choose small claims procedure................... 26
Division 4—General provisions relating to civil remedies 28
549........................ Contravening a civil remedy provision is not an offence.. 28
550........................ Involvement in contravention treated in same way as actual contravention 28
551........................ Civil evidence and procedure rules for proceedings relating to civil remedy provisions 28
552........................ Civil proceedings after criminal proceedings.................... 29
553........................ Criminal proceedings during civil proceedings................. 29
554........................ Criminal proceedings after civil proceedings.................... 29
555........................ Evidence given in proceedings for pecuniary penalty not admissible in criminal proceedings 29
556........................ Civil double jeopardy........................................................ 30
557........................ Course of conduct............................................................. 30
557A..................... Serious contravention of civil remedy provisions............. 32
557B...................... Liability of bodies corporate for serious contravention..... 34
557C...................... Presumption where records not provided......................... 34
558........................ Regulations dealing with infringement notices.................. 35
Division 4A—Responsibility of responsible franchisor entities and holding companies for certain contraventions 36
558A..................... Meaning of franchisee entity and responsible franchisor entity 36
558B...................... Responsibility of responsible franchisor entities and holding companies for certain contraventions 36
558C...................... Right of responsible franchisor entity or holding company to recover 40
Division 5—Unclaimed money 42
559........................ Unclaimed money............................................................. 42
Part 4‑2—Jurisdiction and powers of courts 44
Division 1—Introduction 44
560........................ Guide to this Part.............................................................. 44
561........................ Meanings of employee and employer................................ 44
Division 2—Jurisdiction and powers of the Federal Court 45
562........................ Conferring jurisdiction on the Federal Court.................... 45
563........................ Exercising jurisdiction in the Fair Work Division of the Federal Court 45
564........................ No limitation on Federal Court’s powers.......................... 46
565........................ Appeals from eligible State or Territory courts................. 46
Division 3—Jurisdiction and powers of the Federal Circuit Court 48
566........................ Conferring jurisdiction on the Federal Circuit Court......... 48
567........................ Exercising jurisdiction in the Fair Work Division of the Federal Circuit Court 48
568........................ No limitation on Federal Circuit Court’s powers.............. 48
Division 4—Miscellaneous 49
569........................ Minister’s entitlement to intervene.................................... 49
569A..................... State or Territory Minister’s entitlement to intervene........ 49
570........................ Costs only if proceedings instituted vexatiously etc.......... 50
571........................ No imprisonment for failure to pay pecuniary penalty...... 50
572........................ Regulations dealing with matters relating to court proceedings 50
Chapter 5—Administration 51
Part 5‑1—The Fair Work Commission 51
Division 1—Introduction 51
573........................ Guide to this Part.............................................................. 51
574........................ Meanings of employee and employer................................ 52
Division 2—Establishment and functions of the Fair Work Commission 53
Subdivision A—Establishment and functions of the Fair Work Commission 53
575........................ Establishment of the Fair Work Commission................... 53
576........................ Functions of the FWC...................................................... 53
577........................ Performance of functions etc. by the FWC....................... 55
578........................ Matters the FWC must take into account in performing functions etc. 55
579........................ FWC has privileges and immunities of the Crown........... 55
580........................ Protection of FWC Members............................................ 55
Subdivision B—Functions and powers of the President 56
581........................ Functions of the President................................................ 56
581A..................... Dealing with a complaint about an FWC Member............ 56
581B...................... Code of Conduct............................................................... 58
582........................ Directions by the President............................................... 58
583........................ President not subject to direction...................................... 59
584........................ Delegation of functions and powers of the President........ 59
Subdivision C—Protection of persons involved in handling etc. complaints about FWC Members 60
584B...................... Protection of persons involved in handling etc. complaints about FWC Members 60
Division 3—Conduct of matters before the FWC 61
Subdivision A—Applications to the FWC 61
585........................ Applications in accordance with procedural rules............. 61
586........................ Correcting and amending applications and documents etc. 61
587........................ Dismissing applications.................................................... 61
588........................ Discontinuing applications................................................ 62
Subdivision B—Conduct of matters before the FWC 62
589........................ Procedural and interim decisions...................................... 62
590........................ Powers of the FWC to inform itself.................................. 62
591........................ FWC not bound by rules of evidence and procedure........ 63
592........................ Conferences...................................................................... 63
593........................ Hearings........................................................................... 64
594........................ Confidential evidence........................................................ 65
595........................ FWC’s power to deal with disputes.................................. 65
Subdivision C—Representation by lawyers and paid agents and Minister’s entitlement to make submissions 66
596........................ Representation by lawyers and paid agents....................... 66
597........................ Minister’s entitlement to make submissions..................... 67
597A..................... State or Territory Minister’s entitlement to make submissions 67
Subdivision D—Decisions of the FWC 68
598........................ Decisions of the FWC...................................................... 68
599........................ FWC not required to decide an application in terms applied for 68
600........................ Determining matters in the absence of a person................ 69
601........................ Writing and publication requirements for the FWC’s decisions 69
602........................ Correcting obvious errors etc. in relation to the FWC’s decisions 70
603........................ Varying and revoking the FWC’s decisions..................... 70
Subdivision E—Appeals, reviews and referring questions of law 71
604........................ Appeal of decisions.......................................................... 71
605........................ Minister’s entitlement to apply for review of a decision... 72
606........................ Staying decisions that are appealed or reviewed............... 72
607........................ Process for appealing or reviewing decisions................... 73
608........................ Referring questions of law to the Federal Court............... 74
Subdivision F—Miscellaneous 74
609........................ Procedural rules................................................................ 74
610........................ Regulations dealing with any FWC matters...................... 75
611........................ Costs................................................................................. 75
Division 4—Organisation of the FWC 77
Subdivision A—Functions etc. to be performed by a single FWC Member, a Full Bench or an Expert Panel 77
612........................ FWC’s functions etc. may generally be performed by single FWC Member 77
613........................ Appeal of decisions.......................................................... 77
614........................ Review of decisions by a Full Bench................................ 78
615........................ The President may direct a Full Bench to perform function etc. 78
615A..................... When the President must direct a Full Bench to perform function etc. 79
615B...................... Transfer to a Full Bench from an FWC Member.............. 79
615C...................... Transfer to the President from an FWC Member or a Full Bench 80
616........................ FWC’s functions etc. that must be performed by a Full Bench 80
617........................ FWC’s functions etc. that must be performed by an Expert Panel 81
Subdivision B—Constitution of the FWC by a single FWC Member, a Full Bench or an Expert Panel 83
618........................ Constitution and decision‑making of a Full Bench........... 83
619........................ Seniority of FWC Members............................................. 83
620........................ Constitution and decision‑making of an Expert Panel....... 84
621........................ Reconstitution of the FWC when single FWC Member becomes unavailable 85
622........................ Reconstitution of the FWC when FWC Member of a Full Bench or an Expert Panel becomes unavailable.......................................................................................... 86
623........................ When new FWC Members begin to deal with matters...... 86
624........................ FWC’s decisions not invalid when improperly constituted 87
Subdivision C—Delegation of the FWC’s functions and powers 87
625........................ Delegation by the President of functions and powers of the FWC 87
Division 5—FWC Members 89
Subdivision A—Appointment of FWC Members 89
626........................ Appointment of FWC Members....................................... 89
627........................ Qualifications for appointment of FWC Members............ 89
628........................ Basis of appointment of FWC Members.......................... 91
629........................ Period of appointment of FWC Members......................... 91
Subdivision B—Terms and conditions of FWC Members 92
629A..................... Status of the President...................................................... 92
630........................ Appointment of a Judge not to affect tenure etc................ 93
631........................ Dual federal and State appointments of Deputy Presidents or Commissioners 93
632........................ Dual federal and Territory appointments of Deputy Presidents or Commissioners 94
633........................ Outside work of FWC Members...................................... 94
634........................ Oath or affirmation of office............................................. 94
635........................ Remuneration of the President.......................................... 95
636........................ Application of Judges’ Pensions Act to the President...... 95
637........................ Remuneration of FWC Members other than the President 96
638........................ Remuneration of Deputy Presidents or Commissioners performing duties on a part‑time basis 97
639........................ Leave of absence of FWC Members other than the President 98
640........................ Disclosure of interests by FWC Members other than the President 98
641........................ Termination of appointment on grounds of misbehaviour or incapacity 99
641A..................... Minister may handle complaints about FWC Members.... 99
642........................ Suspension on grounds of misbehaviour or incapacity... 100
643........................ Termination of appointment for bankruptcy, etc............. 101
644........................ Termination of appointment for outside work................. 101
645........................ Resignation of FWC Members....................................... 102
646........................ Other terms and conditions of FWC Members............... 102
647........................ Appointment of acting President and Vice President...... 102
648........................ Appointment of acting Deputy Presidents and Commissioners 103
Division 6—Cooperation with the States 105
649........................ President to cooperate with prescribed State industrial authorities 105
650........................ Provision of administrative support................................ 105
Division 7—Seals and additional powers and functions of the President and the General Manager 106
651........................ Seals............................................................................... 106
652........................ Annual report.................................................................. 107
653........................ Reports about making enterprise agreements, individual flexibility arrangements etc. 107
653A..................... Arrangements with the Federal Court and the Federal Circuit Court 109
654........................ President must provide certain information etc. to the Minister and Fair Work Ombudsman 109
655........................ Disclosure of information by the FWC........................... 109
Division 8—General Manager, staff and consultants 111
Subdivision A—Functions of the General Manager 111
656........................ Establishment.................................................................. 111
657........................ Functions and powers of the General Manager.............. 111
658........................ Directions from the President......................................... 111
659........................ General Manager not otherwise subject to direction....... 112
Subdivision B—Appointment and terms and conditions of the General Manager 112
660........................ Appointment of the General Manager............................. 112
661........................ Remuneration of the General Manager........................... 112
662........................ Leave of absence of the General Manager...................... 113
663........................ Outside work of the General Manager............................ 113
664........................ Disclosure of interests to the President........................... 113
665........................ Resignation of the General Manager............................... 113
666........................ Termination of appointment of the General Manager...... 113
667........................ Other terms and conditions of the General Manager....... 114
668........................ Appointment of acting General Manager........................ 114
669........................ Minister to consult the President..................................... 115
Subdivision C—Staff and consultants 115
670........................ Staff................................................................................ 115
671........................ Delegation by General Manager to staff......................... 115
672........................ Persons assisting the FWC............................................. 116
673........................ Consultants..................................................................... 116
Subdivision D—Application of the finance law 116
673A..................... Application of the finance law........................................ 116
Division 9—Offences relating to the Fair Work Commission 118
674........................ Offences in relation to the FWC..................................... 118
675........................ Contravening an FWC order........................................... 120
676........................ Intimidation etc............................................................... 121
677........................ Offences in relation to attending before the FWC........... 121
678........................ False or misleading evidence.......................................... 122
Part 5‑2—Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman 124
Division 1—Introduction 124
679........................ Guide to this Part............................................................ 124
680........................ Meanings of employee and employer.............................. 124
Division 2—Fair Work Ombudsman 125
Subdivision A—Establishment and functions and powers of the Fair Work Ombudsman 125
681........................ Establishment.................................................................. 125
682........................ Functions of the Fair Work Ombudsman....................... 125
683........................ Delegation by the Fair Work Ombudsman..................... 126
684........................ Directions from the Minister........................................... 127
685........................ Minister may require reports........................................... 127
686........................ Annual report.................................................................. 127
Subdivision B—Appointment and terms and conditions of the Fair Work Ombudsman 128
687........................ Appointment of the Fair Work Ombudsman.................. 128
688........................ Remuneration of the Fair Work Ombudsman................. 128
689........................ Leave of absence of the Fair Work Ombudsman............ 129
690........................ Outside work of the Fair Work Ombudsman................. 129
692........................ Resignation of the Fair Work Ombudsman.................... 129
693........................ Termination of appointment of the Fair Work Ombudsman 129
694........................ Other terms and conditions of the Fair Work Ombudsman 130
695........................ Appointment of acting Fair Work Ombudsman.............. 130
Division 3—Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman 132
Subdivision A—Establishment of the Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman 132
696........................ Establishment of the Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman 132
Subdivision B—Staff and consultants etc. 132
697........................ Staff................................................................................ 132
698........................ Persons assisting the Fair Work Ombudsman................ 132
699........................ Consultants..................................................................... 133
Subdivision C—Appointment of Fair Work Inspectors 133
700........................ Appointment of Fair Work Inspectors............................ 133
701........................ Fair Work Ombudsman is a Fair Work Inspector........... 133
702........................ Identity cards.................................................................. 134
Subdivision D—Functions and powers of Fair Work Inspectors—general 135
703........................ Conditions and restrictions on functions and powers..... 135
704........................ General directions by the Fair Work Ombudsman.......... 135
705........................ Particular directions by the Fair Work Ombudsman....... 135
706........................ Purpose for which powers of inspectors may be exercised 136
707........................ When powers of inspectors may be exercised................ 136
707A..................... Hindering or obstructing the Fair Work Ombudsman and inspectors etc. 137
Subdivision DA—Power to enter premises 137
708........................ Power of inspectors to enter premises............................ 137
709........................ Powers of inspectors while on premises......................... 138
710........................ Persons assisting inspectors........................................... 139
Subdivision DB—Powers to ask questions and require records and documents 139
711........................ Power to ask for person’s name and address.................. 139
712........................ Power to require persons to produce records or documents 140
712A..................... Minister may nominate AAT presidential members to issue FWO notices 140
712AA.................. Fair Work Ombudsman may apply to nominated AAT presidential member for FWO notice 141
712AB................... Issue of FWO notice....................................................... 143
712AC................... Form and content of FWO notice................................... 144
712AD.................. Fair Work Ombudsman may give FWO notice to person in relation to whom it is issued and vary time for compliance...................................................................... 145
712AE................... Conduct of examination.................................................. 146
712B...................... Requirement to comply with FWO notice....................... 146
712C...................... Payment for expenses incurred in attending as required by an FWO notice 147
712D..................... Protection from liability relating to FWO notices............ 147
712E...................... Fair Work Ombudsman must notify Commonwealth Ombudsman of issue of FWO notice 147
712F...................... Review and report by Commonwealth Ombudsman...... 148
Subdivision DC—Other rules relating to answers, records and documents 150
713........................ Self‑incrimination etc...................................................... 150
713A..................... Certain records and documents are inadmissible............. 151
713AA.................. Legal professional privilege............................................ 151
714........................ Power to keep records or documents.............................. 151
714A..................... Reports not to include information relating to an individual’s affairs 152
Subdivision DD—Enforceable undertakings and compliance notices 153
715........................ Enforceable undertakings relating to contraventions of civil remedy provisions 153
716........................ Compliance notices......................................................... 154
717........................ Review of compliance notices......................................... 156
Subdivision E—Disclosure of information by the Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman 157
718........................ Disclosure of information by the Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman 157
Subdivision F—False or misleading information or documents 158
718A..................... False or misleading information or documents............... 158
Chapter 6—Miscellaneous 160
Part 6‑1—Multiple actions 160
Division 1—Introduction 160
719........................ Guide to this Part............................................................ 160
720........................ Meanings of employee and employer.............................. 160
Division 2—Certain actions not permitted if alternative action can be taken 161
721........................ Equal remuneration applications..................................... 161
722........................ Notification and consultation requirements applications. 161
723........................ Unlawful termination applications.................................. 162
Division 3—Preventing multiple actions 163
Subdivision A—Equal remuneration applications 163
724........................ Equal remuneration applications..................................... 163
Subdivision B—Applications and complaints relating to dismissal 164
725........................ General rule.................................................................... 164
726........................ Dismissal remedy bargaining order applications............. 164
727........................ General protections FWC applications............................ 164
728........................ General protections court applications............................ 165
729........................ Unfair dismissal applications.......................................... 166
730........................ Unlawful termination FWC applications......................... 166
731........................ Unlawful termination court applications......................... 167
732........................ Applications and complaints under other laws................ 167
733........................ Dismissal does not include failure to provide benefits.... 168
Subdivision C—General protections applications that do not relate to dismissal 168
734........................ General rule.................................................................... 168
Part 6‑2—Dealing with disputes 170
Division 1—Introduction 170
735........................ Guide to this Part............................................................ 170
736........................ Meanings of employee and employer.............................. 170
Division 2—Dealing with disputes 171
Subdivision A—Model term about dealing with disputes 171
737........................ Model term about dealing with disputes......................... 171
Subdivision B—Dealing with disputes 171
738........................ Application of this Division............................................ 171
739........................ Disputes dealt with by the FWC..................................... 171
740........................ Dispute dealt with by persons other than the FWC......... 172
Part 6‑3—Extension of National Employment Standards entitlements 174
Division 1—Introduction 174
741........................ Guide to this Part............................................................ 174
742........................ Meanings of employee and employer.............................. 174
Division 2—Extension of entitlement to unpaid parental leave and related entitlements 175
Subdivision A—Main provisions 175
743........................ Object of this Division.................................................... 175
744........................ Extending the entitlement to unpaid parental leave and related entitlements 175
745........................ Contravening the extended parental leave provisions...... 177
746........................ References to the National Employment Standards include extended parental leave provisions 177
747........................ State and Territory laws that are not excluded................. 177
Subdivision B—Modifications of the extended parental leave provisions 178
748........................ Non‑national system employees are not award/agreement free employees 178
749........................ Modification of meaning of base rate of pay for pieceworkers 178
750........................ Modification of meaning of full rate of pay for pieceworkers 178
751........................ Modification of meaning of ordinary hours of work—if determined by State industrial instrument 178
752........................ Modification of meaning of ordinary hours of work—if not determined by State industrial instrument 179
753........................ Modification of meaning of ordinary hours of work—regulations may prescribe usual weekly hours 179
754........................ Modification of meaning of pieceworker........................ 179
755........................ Modification of provision about interaction with paid leave 180
756........................ Modification of provision about relationship between National Employment Standards and agreements........................................................................................ 180
757........................ Modification of power to make regulations.................... 180
Division 3—Extension of entitlement to notice of termination or payment in lieu of notice 181
Subdivision A—Main provisions 181
758........................ Object of this Division.................................................... 181
759........................ Extending entitlement to notice of termination or payment in lieu of notice 181
760........................ Contravening the extended notice of termination provisions 182
761........................ References to the National Employment Standards include extended notice of termination provisions 183
762........................ State and Territory laws that are not excluded................. 183
Subdivision B—Modifications of the extended notice of termination provisions 183
763........................ Non‑national system employees are not award/agreement free employees 183
764........................ Modification of meaning of full rate of pay for pieceworkers 183
765........................ Modification of meaning of pieceworker........................ 184
766........................ Modification of provision about notice of termination by employee 184
767........................ Modification of provision about relationship between National Employment Standards and agreements........................................................................................ 184
768........................ Modification of power to make regulations.................... 184
Part 6‑3A—Transfer of business from a State public sector employer 186
Division 1—Introduction 186
768AA.................. Guide to this Part............................................................ 186
768AB................... Meanings of employee and employer.............................. 186
Division 2—Copying terms of State instruments when there is a transfer of business 187
768AC................... What this Division is about............................................. 187
768AD.................. When does a transfer of business occur?........................ 187
768AE................... Meaning of transferring employee, termination time and re‑employment time 188
Division 3—Copied State instruments 189
Subdivision A—Guide to this Division 189
768AF................... What this Division is about............................................. 189
Subdivision B—Copied State instruments 189
768AG.................. Contravening a copied State instrument.......................... 189
768AH.................. What is a copied State instrument?.................................. 190
768AI.................... What is a copied State award?......................................... 190
768AJ.................... What is a State award?.................................................... 191
768AK................... What is a copied State employment agreement?.............. 191
768AL................... What is a State employment agreement?......................... 193
768AM.................. When does a copied State instrument apply to a person? 194
768AN.................. When does a copied State instrument cover a person?.... 195
768AO.................. When is a copied State instrument in operation?............. 197
Division 4—Interaction between copied State instruments and the NES, modern awards and enterprise agreements 199
Subdivision A—Guide to this Division 199
768AP................... What this Division is about............................................. 199
Subdivision B—Interaction with the NES 199
768AQ.................. Interaction between the NES and a copied State instrument 199
768AR................... Provisions of the NES that allow instruments to contain particular kinds of terms 199
Subdivision C—Interaction with modern awards 201
768AS................... Modern awards and copied State awards........................ 201
768AT................... Modern awards and copied State employment agreements 201
Subdivision D—Interaction with enterprise agreements 203
768AU.................. Enterprise agreements and copied State instruments....... 203
Division 5—Variation and termination of copied State instruments 204
Subdivision A—Guide to this Division 204
768AV.................. What this Division is about............................................. 204
Subdivision B—Variation of copied State instruments 204
768AW.................. Variation in limited circumstances.................................. 204
768AX.................. Variation of copied State instruments............................. 204
Subdivision C—Termination of copied State instruments 207
768AY.................. Termination in limited circumstances.............................. 207
Division 6—FWC orders about coverage of copied State instruments and other instruments 208
Subdivision A—Guide to this Division 208
768AZ................... What this Division is about............................................. 208
768AZA................ Orders in relation to a transfer of business..................... 208
Subdivision B—Coverage orders 209
768BA................... FWC orders about coverage for transferring employees. 209
768BB................... FWC orders about coverage for employee organisations 210
Division 7—FWC orders about consolidating copied State instruments etc. 212
Subdivision A—Guide to this Division 212
768BC................... What this Division is about............................................. 212
768BCA................ Orders in relation to a transfer of business..................... 213
Subdivision B—Consolidation orders in relation to transferring employees 213
768BD................... Consolidation orders in relation to transferring employees 213
768BE................... Consolidation order to deal with application and coverage 214
768BF................... Effect of this Act after a consolidation order is made...... 215
Subdivision C—Consolidation orders in relation to non‑transferring employees 215
768BG................... Consolidation orders in relation to non‑transferring employees 215
768BH................... Consolidation order to deal with application and coverage 217
768BI.................... Effect of this Act after a consolidation order is made...... 218
Division 8—Special rules for copied State instruments 219
Subdivision A—Guide to this Division 219
768BJ.................... What this Division is about............................................. 219
Subdivision B—Terms about disputes 220
768BK................... Where no term dealing with disputes.............................. 220
Subdivision C—Service and entitlements of a transferring employee 220
768BL................... Service for the purposes of this Act................................ 220
768BM.................. NES—working out non‑accruing entitlements............... 221
768BN................... NES—working out accruing entitlements....................... 222
768BO................... Copied State instrument—service................................... 223
768BP................... Copied State instrument—working out non‑accruing entitlements 224
768BQ................... Copied State instrument—working out accruing entitlements 225
Subdivision D—Cessation of copied State awards: avoiding reductions in take‑home pay 226
768BR................... Cessation not intended to result in reduction in take‑home pay 226
768BS................... Orders remedying reductions in take‑home pay.............. 227
768BT................... Contravening a take‑home pay order.............................. 228
768BU................... How long a take‑home pay order continues to apply...... 228
768BV................... Interaction of take‑home pay orders with modern awards and enterprise agreements 228
768BW.................. Application of this Act to take‑home pay orders............. 228
Subdivision E—Modification of this Act 229
768BX................... Modification of this Act for copied State instruments..... 229
Subdivision F—Modification of the Transitional Act 230
768BY................... Modification of the Transitional Act for copied State instruments 230
Subdivision G—Modification of the Registered Organisations Act 234
768BZ................... Modification of the Registered Organisations Act for copied State instruments 234
Division 9—Regulations 236
768CA................... Regulations..................................................................... 236
Part 6‑4—Additional provisions relating to termination of employment 238
Division 1—Introduction 238
769........................ Guide to this Part............................................................ 238
770........................ Meanings of employee and employer.............................. 238
Division 2—Termination of employment 239
771........................ Object of this Division.................................................... 239
772........................ Employment not to be terminated on certain grounds..... 239
773........................ Application for the FWC to deal with a dispute.............. 241
774........................ Time for application........................................................ 241
775........................ Application fees.............................................................. 242
776........................ Dealing with a dispute (other than by arbitration)........... 242
777........................ Dealing with a dispute by arbitration.............................. 243
778........................ Taking a dispute to court................................................. 244
779........................ Appeal rights.................................................................. 244
779A..................... Costs orders against parties............................................ 245
780........................ Costs orders against lawyers and paid agents................. 245
781........................ Applications for costs orders.......................................... 246
781A..................... Schedule of costs............................................................ 246
782........................ Contravening costs orders.............................................. 247
783........................ Reason for action to be presumed unless proved otherwise 247
Division 3—Notification and consultation requirements relating to certain terminations of employment 248
Subdivision A—Object of this Division 248
784........................ Object of this Division.................................................... 248
Subdivision B—Requirement to notify Centrelink 248
785........................ Employer to notify Centrelink of certain proposed terminations 248
Subdivision C—Failure to notify or consult registered employee associations 249
786........................ FWC may make orders where failure to notify or consult registered employee associations about terminations........................................................................................ 249
787........................ Orders that the FWC may make...................................... 251
788........................ Application to the FWC for order................................... 251
Subdivision D—Limits on scope of this Division 252
789........................ Limits on scope of this Division..................................... 252
Part 6‑4A—Special provisions about TCF outworkers 253
Division 1—Introduction 253
789AA.................. Guide to this Part............................................................ 253
789AB................... Meanings of employee and employer.............................. 253
789AC................... Objects of this Part......................................................... 253
Division 2—TCF contract outworkers taken to be employees in certain circumstances 255
789BA................... Provisions covered by this Division............................... 255
789BB................... TCF contract outworkers taken to be employees in certain circumstances 256
789BC................... Regulations relating to TCF outworkers who are taken to be employees 257
Division 3—Recovery of unpaid amounts 258
789CA................... When this Division applies............................................. 258
789CB................... Liability of indirectly responsible entity for unpaid amount 260
789CC................... Demand for payment from an apparent indirectly responsible entity 260
789CD................... Court order for entity to pay amount demanded.............. 261
789CE................... Effect of payment by entity (including entity’s right to recover from responsible person) 262
789CF................... Division does not limit other liabilities or rights............. 263
Division 4—Code of practice relating to TCF outwork 264
789DA.................. Regulations may provide for a code................................ 264
789DB................... Matters that may be dealt with in TCF outwork code..... 264
789DC................... Persons on whom obligations may be imposed by TCF outwork code 265
789DD.................. Other general matters relating to content of TCF outwork code 266
789DE................... Relationship between the TCF outwork code and other instruments 267
Division 5—Miscellaneous 269
789EA................... Part not intended to exclude or limit State or Territory laws relating to outworkers 269
Part 6‑4B—Workers bullied at work 270
Division 1—Introduction 270
789FA................... Guide to this Part............................................................ 270
789FB................... Meanings of employee and employer.............................. 270
Division 2—Stopping workers being bullied at work 271
789FC................... Application for an FWC order to stop bullying.............. 271
789FD................... When is a worker bullied at work?................................. 271
789FE.................... FWC to deal with applications promptly......................... 272
789FF.................... FWC may make orders to stop bullying......................... 273
789FG................... Contravening an order to stop bullying........................... 273
789FH................... Actions under work health and safety laws permitted..... 273
789FI..................... This Part is not to prejudice Australia’s defence, national security etc. 274
789FJ.................... Declarations by the Chief of the Defence Force.............. 274
789FK................... Declarations by the Director‑General of Security........... 275
789FL.................... Declarations by the Director‑General of ASIS............... 275
Part 6‑5—Miscellaneous 276
Division 1—Introduction 276
790........................ Guide to this Part............................................................ 276
791........................ Meanings of employee and employer.............................. 276
Division 2—Miscellaneous 277
792........................ Delegation by Minister................................................... 277
793........................ Liability of bodies corporate........................................... 277
794........................ Signature on behalf of body corporate............................ 278
795........................ Public sector employer to act through employing authority 278
795A..................... The Schedules................................................................. 280
796........................ Regulations—general...................................................... 280
796A..................... Regulations conferring functions.................................... 280
797........................ Regulations dealing with offences.................................. 280
798........................ Regulations dealing with civil penalties.......................... 281
799........................ Regulations dealing with infringement notices................ 281
800........................ Regulations dealing with exhibiting fair work instruments 281
Schedule 1—Application, saving and transitional provisions relating to amendments of this Act 282
Part 1—Amendments made by the Fair Work Amendment (Textile, Clothing and Footwear Industry) Act 2012 282
1............................ Definitions...................................................................... 282
2............................ Section 789BB of amended Act applies to contracts entered into after commencement 282
3............................ Effect on TCF contract outworker’s entitlements............ 283
4............................ Fair work instruments etc. made before commencement. 283
5............................ Application of Division 3 of Part 6‑4A of amended Act 284
6............................ Application of subsection 203(2A) of amended Act....... 284
7............................ Regulations dealing with various matters........................ 284
Part 2—Amendments made by the Superannuation Legislation Amendment (Further MySuper and Transparency Measures) Act 2012 286
8............................ Definitions...................................................................... 286
9............................ Application of sections 149A and 155A of amended Act 286
10.......................... FWC to vary certain modern awards.............................. 286
11.......................... FWC to update text of certain modern awards................ 287
12.......................... Application of paragraph 194(h) of amended Act........... 287
Part 3—Amendments made by the Fair Work Amendment (Respect for Emergency Services Volunteers) Act 2016 288
13.......................... Definitions...................................................................... 288
14.......................... Application of amendments—objectionable emergency management terms 288
Part 4—Amendments made by the Fair Work Amendment (Protecting Vulnerable Workers) Act 2017 290
15.......................... Definitions...................................................................... 290
16.......................... Application of amendments—unreasonable requirements to spend or pay amounts 290
17.......................... Saving of regulations—unreasonable deductions........... 290
18.......................... Application of amendments—increasing maximum penalties for contraventions of certain civil remedy provisions....................................................................... 290
19.......................... Application of amendments—responsibility of responsible franchisor entities and holding companies 291
20.......................... Application of amendments—hindering or obstructing the Fair Work Ombudsman and inspectors etc. 291
21.......................... Application of power to give FWO notices.................... 291
22.......................... Application of amendments relating to self‑incrimination etc. 292
23.......................... Application of requirement for reports not to include information relating to an individual’s affairs 292
24.......................... Application of amendments—false or misleading information or documents 292
24A....................... Application of amendments—presumption where records not provided 292
Part 6—Amendments made by the Fair Work Amendment (Corrupting Benefits) Act 2017 293
30.......................... Disclosure by organisations and employers.................... 293
Schedule 2—Amendments made by the Fair Work Amendment (Transfer of Business) Act 2012 294
1............................ Definitions...................................................................... 294
2............................ Application of the amendments made by the amending Act 294
Schedule 3—Amendments made by the Fair Work Amendment Act 2012 295
Part 1—Preliminary 295
1............................ Definitions...................................................................... 295
Part 2—Default superannuation (Schedule 1) 296
2............................ Schedule 1 to the amending Act...................................... 296
2A......................... Transitional provision—when first variations of default fund term take effect 296
2B.......................... Transitional provision—modern awards made on or after 1 January 2014 297
Part 3—Modern awards (Schedule 3) 298
3............................ Part 1 of Schedule 3 to the amending Act....................... 298
Part 4—Enterprise agreements (Schedule 4) 299
4............................ Part 1 of Schedule 4 to the amending Act....................... 299
5............................ Part 2 of Schedule 4 to the amending Act....................... 299
6............................ Part 3 of Schedule 4 to the amending Act....................... 299
7............................ Part 4 of Schedule 4 to the amending Act....................... 300
8............................ Part 5 of Schedule 4 to the amending Act....................... 300
Part 5—General protections (Schedule 5) 301
9............................ Part 1 of Schedule 5 to the amending Act....................... 301
Part 6—Unfair dismissal (Schedule 6) 302
10.......................... Part 1 of Schedule 6 to the amending Act....................... 302
11.......................... Part 2 of Schedule 6 to the amending Act....................... 302
12.......................... Part 3 of Schedule 6 to the amending Act....................... 302
13.......................... Part 4 of Schedule 6 to the amending Act....................... 302
Part 7—Industrial action (Schedule 7) 303
14.......................... Part 1 of Schedule 7 to the amending Act....................... 303
15.......................... Part 2 of Schedule 7 to the amending Act....................... 303
16.......................... Part 3 of Schedule 7 to the amending Act....................... 303
Part 8—The Fair Work Commission (Schedule 8) 304
17.......................... Part 1 of Schedule 8 to the amending Act....................... 304
18.......................... Part 2 of Schedule 8 to the amending Act....................... 304
19.......................... Part 4 of Schedule 8 to the amending Act....................... 304
20.......................... Part 5 of Schedule 8 to the amending Act....................... 304
21.......................... Part 6 of Schedule 8 to the amending Act....................... 304
22.......................... Part 7 of Schedule 8 to the amending Act....................... 305
23.......................... Part 8 of Schedule 8 to the amending Act....................... 305
Part 9—Changing the name of Fair Work Australia (Schedule 9) 306
24.......................... Transitional provision—President.................................. 306
25.......................... Transitional provision—Deputy President...................... 307
26.......................... Transitional provision—Commissioner.......................... 308
27.......................... Transitional provision—Minimum Wage Panel Member 309
28.......................... Operation of laws—things done by, or in relation to, FWA 310
29.......................... Transitional provision—General Manager and staff of FWA 310
30.......................... Operation of section 7 and subsection 25B(1) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 not limited 311
Part 10—Other amendments (Schedule 10) 312
31.......................... Part 1 of Schedule 10 to the amending Act..................... 312
Part 11—Regulations 313
32.......................... Regulations about application, transitional and saving matters 313
Schedule 4—Amendments made by the Fair Work Amendment Act 2013 314
Part 1—Preliminary 314
1............................ Definition........................................................................ 314
Part 2—Family‑friendly measures (Schedule 1) 315
2............................ Part 1 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act....................... 315
3............................ Part 2 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act....................... 315
4............................ Part 3 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act....................... 315
5............................ Part 4 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act....................... 315
6............................ Part 5 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act....................... 316
Part 3—Modern awards objective (Schedule 2) 317
7............................ Schedule 2 to the amending Act...................................... 317
Part 4—Anti‑bullying measure (Schedule 3) 318
8............................ Schedule 3 to the amending Act...................................... 318
Part 4A—Conferences (Schedule 3A) 319
8A......................... Schedule 3A to the amending Act................................... 319
Part 5—Right of entry (Schedule 4) 320
9............................ Schedule 4 to the amending Act...................................... 320
Part 6—Consent arbitration for general protections and unlawful termination (Schedule 4A) 321
10.......................... Schedule 4A to the amending Act................................... 321
Part 7—The FWC (Schedule 5) 322
11.......................... Item 4 of Schedule 5 to the amending Act...................... 322
Schedule 5—Amendments made by the Fair Work Amendment Act 2015 323
1............................ Definition........................................................................ 323
2............................ Part 1 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act....................... 323
9............................ Part 5 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act....................... 323
11.......................... Part 7 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act....................... 323
14.......................... Part 10 of Schedule 1 to the amending Act..................... 323
Endnotes 324
Endnote 1—About the endnotes 324
Endnote 2—Abbreviation key 326
Endnote 3—Legislation history 327
Endnote 4—Amendment history 335
Chapter 4—Compliance and enforcement
Part 4‑1—Civil remedies
Division 1—Introduction
537 Guide to this Part
This Part is about civil remedies. Certain provisions in this Act impose obligations on certain persons. Civil remedies may be sought in relation to contraventions of these civil remedy provisions.
Subdivision A of Division 2 deals with applications for orders in relation to contraventions of civil remedy provisions and safety net contractual entitlements, and applications for orders to enforce entitlements arising under subsection 542(1).
Subdivision B of Division 2 sets out the orders that can be made by the Federal Court, the Federal Circuit Court or an eligible State or Territory Court in relation to a contravention of a civil remedy provision.
Division 3 sets out when proceedings relating to a contravention of a civil remedy provision may be dealt with as small claims proceedings.
Division 4 deals with general provisions relating to civil remedies, including rules about evidence and procedure.
Division 4A imposes obligations on responsible franchisor entities in relation to certain contraventions of civil remedy provisions by franchisee entities and on holding companies in relation to certain contraventions of civil remedy provisions by subsidiaries.
Division 5 deals with unclaimed money.
538 Meanings of employee and employer
In this Part, employee and employer have their ordinary meanings.
Note: See also Division 2 of Part 6‑4A (TCF contract outworkers taken to be employees in certain circumstances).
Division 2—Orders
Subdivision A—Applications for orders
539 Applications for orders in relation to contraventions of civil remedy provisions
(1) A provision referred to in column 1 of an item in the table in subsection (2) is a civil remedy provision.
(2) For each civil remedy provision, the persons referred to in column 2 of the item may, subject to sections 540 and 544 and Subdivision B, apply to the courts referred to in column 3 of the item for orders in relation to a contravention or proposed contravention of the provision, including the maximum penalty referred to in column 4 of the item.
Note 1: Civil remedy provisions within a single Part may be grouped together in a single item of the table.
Note 2: Applications cannot be made by an inspector in relation to a contravention of a civil remedy provision by a person in certain cases where an undertaking or compliance notice has been given (see subsections 715(4) and 716(4A)).
Note 3: The regulations may also prescribe persons for the purposes of an item in column 2 of the table (see subsection 540(8)).
Note 4: See section 557A in relation to a serious contravention of a civil remedy provision.
| Standing, jurisdiction and maximum penalties |
| Item | Column 1
Civil remedy provision | Column 2
Persons | Column 3
Courts | Column 4
Maximum penalty |
| Part 2‑1—Core provisions |
| 1 | 44(1) | (a) an employee; (b) an employee organisation; (c) an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court; (c) an eligible State or Territory court | for a serious contravention—600 penalty units; or otherwise—60 penalty units |
| 2 | 45 (other than in relation to a contravention or proposed contravention of an outworker term) | (a) an employee; (b) an employer; (c) an employee organisation; (d) an employer organisation; (e) an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court; (c) an eligible State or Territory court | for a serious contravention—600 penalty units; or otherwise—60 penalty units |
| 3 | 45 (in relation to a contravention or proposed contravention of an outworker term) | (a) an outworker; (b) an employer; (c) an outworker entity; (d) an employee organisation; (e) an employer organisation; (f) an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court; (c) an eligible State or Territory court | for a serious contravention—600 penalty units; or otherwise—60 penalty units |
| 4 | 50 (other than in relation to a contravention or proposed contravention of a term that would be an outworker term if it were included in a modern award) | (a) an employee; (b) an employer; (c) an employee organisation to which the enterprise agreement concerned applies; (d) an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court; (c) an eligible State or Territory court | for a serious contravention—600 penalty units; or otherwise—60 penalty units |
| 5 | 50 (in relation to a contravention or proposed contravention of a term that would be an outworker term if it were included in a modern award) | (a) an employee; (b) an employer; (c) an employee organisation; (d) an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court; (c) an eligible State or Territory court | for a serious contravention—600 penalty units; or otherwise—60 penalty units |
| Part 2‑4—Enterprise agreements |
| 5A | 179(1) 179(5) | (a) an employee; (b) a bargaining representative for the proposed enterprise agreement; (c) an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court; (c) an eligible State or Territory court | 60 penalty units |
| 5B | 180(4A) 180(4B) 180(4C) | (a) an employee; (b) a bargaining representative for the proposed enterprise agreement; (c) an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court; (c) an eligible State or Territory court | 60 penalty units |
| 6 | 233 | (a) an employee who the proposed enterprise agreement will cover; (b) a bargaining representative for the proposed enterprise agreement; (c) an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court; (c) an eligible State or Territory court | 60 penalty units |
| Part 2‑5—Workplace determinations |
| 7 | 280 | (a) an employee; (b) an employer; (c) an employee organisation to which the workplace determination concerned applies; (d) an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court; (c) an eligible State or Territory court | for a serious contravention—600 penalty units; or otherwise—60 penalty units |
| Part 2‑6—Minimum wages |
| 8 | 293 | (a) an employee; (b) an employee organisation; (c) an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court; (c) an eligible State or Territory court | for a serious contravention—600 penalty units; or otherwise—60 penalty units |
| Part 2‑7—Equal remuneration |
| 9 | 305 | (a) an employee; (b) an employee organisation; (c) an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court; (c) an eligible State or Territory court | for a serious contravention—600 penalty units; or otherwise—60 penalty units |
| Part 2‑9—Other terms and conditions of employment |
| 10 | 323(1)
323(3)
325(1)
328(1)
328(2)
328(3) | (a) an employee; (b) an employee organisation; (c) an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court; (c) an eligible State or Territory court | for a serious contravention—600 penalty units; or otherwise—60 penalty units |
| 10A | 325(1A) | (a) a prospective employee; (b) an employee; (c) an employee organisation; (d) an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court; (c) an eligible State or Territory court | for a serious contravention—600 penalty units; or otherwise—60 penalty units |
| Part 3‑1—General protections |
| 11 | 340(1)
340(2)
343(1)
344
345(1)
346
348
349(1)
350(1)
350(2)
351(1)
352
353(1)
354(1)
355
357(1)
358
359
369(3) | (a) a person affected by the contravention; (b) an industrial association; (c) an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court | 60 penalty units |
| 12 | 378 | (a) a person to whom the costs are payable; (b) an industrial association; (c) an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court | 60 penalty units |
| Part 3‑2—Unfair dismissal |
| 13 | 405 | (a) a person affected by the contravention; (b) an employee organisation; (c) an employer organisation; (d) an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court; (c) an eligible State or Territory court | 60 penalty units |
| Part 3‑3—Industrial action |
| 14 | 417(1) | (a) an employee; (b) an employer; (c) an employee organisation covered by the enterprise agreement or workplace determination concerned; (d) a person affected by the industrial action; (e) an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court | 60 penalty units |
| 15 | 421(1) | (a) a person affected by the contravention; (b) an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court | 60 penalty units |
| 16 | 434 | an inspector | the Federal Court | 60 penalty units |
| 17 | 458(2) | (a) an employee; (b) an employer; (c) an applicant for the protected action ballot order; (d) an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court | 30 penalty units |
| 18 | 462(1)
462(3) | (a) an employee; (b) an employer; (c) an applicant for the protected action ballot order; (d) the protected action ballot agent; (e) an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court | 30 penalty units |
| 19 | 463(1)
463(2) | (a) an employee; (b) an employer; (c) an applicant for the protected action ballot order; (d) the protected action ballot agent; (e) an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court | 60 penalty units |
| 20 | 467(1) | (a) an employee; (b) an employer; (c) an applicant for the protected action ballot order; (d) the protected action ballot agent; (e) an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court | 30 penalty units |
| 21 | 470(1) | an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court | 60 penalty units |
| 22 | 473(1)
473(2) | (a) an employer; (b) an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court | 60 penalty units |
| 23 | 474(1) | an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court | 60 penalty units |
| 24 | 475(1)
475(2) | (a) an employer; (b) an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court | 60 penalty units |
| Part 3‑4—Right of entry |
| 25 | 482(3)
483(4)
483B(4)
483C(5)
483D(4)
483E(5)
494(1)
495(1)
496
497
498
499
500
501
502(1)
503(1)
504
506
509
521C(3)
521D(3) | (a) a person affected by the contravention; (b) an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court | 60 penalty units |
| 26 | 517(1) | an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court | 60 penalty units |
| Part 3‑5—Stand down |
| 27 | 527 | (a) an employee; (b) an employee organisation; (c) an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court; (c) an eligible State or Territory court | 60 penalty units |
| Part 3‑6—Other rights and responsibilities |
| 28 | 530(4) | (a) an employee; (b) a registered employee association; (c) an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court | 30 penalty units |
| 29 | 535(1)
535(2)
535(4)
536(1)
536(2)
536(3) | (a) an employee; (b) an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court; (c) an eligible State or Territory court | for a serious contravention—600 penalty units; or otherwise—60 penalty units |
| Part 4‑1—Civil remedies |
| 29A | 558B(1) 558B(2) | (a) an employee; (b) an employee organisation; (c) an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court | 60 penalty units |
| Part 5‑1—The Fair Work Commission |
| 30 | 611(3) | (a) a person to whom the costs are payable; (b) an employee organisation; (c) an employer organisation; (d) an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court; (c) an eligible State or Territory court | 60 penalty units |
| Part 5‑2—Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman |
| 30A | 707A(1) | an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court; (c) an eligible State or Territory court | 60 penalty units |
| 31 | 711(3) | an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court; (c) an eligible State or Territory court | 30 penalty units |
| 32 | 712(3) | an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court; (c) an eligible State or Territory court | 60 penalty units |
| 32A | 712B(1) | an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court; (c) an eligible State or Territory court | 600 penalty units |
| 33 | 716(5) | an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court; (c) an eligible State or Territory court | 30 penalty units |
| 33A | 718A(1) | an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court; (c) an eligible State or Territory court | 60 penalty units |
| Part 6‑3—Extension of National Employment Standards entitlements |
| 34 | 745(1)
760 | (a) an employee; (b) a registered employee association; (c) an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court; (c) an eligible State or Territory court | 60 penalty units |
| Part 6‑3A—Transfer of business from a State public sector employer |
| 34A | 768AG | (a) the transferring employee; (b) an employer; (c) an employee organisation; (d) an employer organisation; (e) an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court; (c) an eligible State or Territory court | 60 penalty units |
| 34B | 768BT | (a) the transferring employee; (b) an employer; (c) an employee organisation; (d) an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court; (c) an eligible State or Territory court | 60 penalty units |
| Part 6‑4—Additional provisions relating to termination of employment |
| 35 | 772(1)
777(3) | (a) a person affected by the contravention; (b) an industrial association; (c) an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court | 60 penalty units |
| 36 | 782 | (a) a person to whom the costs are payable; (b) an industrial association; (c) an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court | 60 penalty units |
| 37 | 785(4) | (a) an employee; (b) a registered employee association; (c) an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court | 30 penalty units |
| Part 6‑4B—Workers bullied at work |
| 38 | 789FG | (a) a person affected by the contravention; (b) an industrial association; (c) an inspector | (a) the Federal Court; (b) the Federal Circuit Court; (c) an eligible State or Territory court | 60 penalty units |
(3) The regulations may provide that a provision set out in the regulations is a civil remedy provision.
(4) If the regulations make provision as mentioned in subsection (3):
(a) the regulations must set out:
(i) the persons who would be referred to in column 2; and
(ii) the courts that would be referred to in column 3; and
(iii) the maximum penalty that would be referred to in column 4;
of the table in subsection (2) if there were an item for the civil remedy provision in the table; and
(b) this Part has effect as if the matters referred to subparagraphs (a)(i) to (iii) were set out in such an item in the table.
Note: See section 798 for limits on the penalties that may be set out in the regulations.
540 Limitations on who may apply for orders etc.
Employees, employers, outworkers and outworker entities
(1) The following persons may apply for an order under this Division, in relation to a contravention or proposed contravention of a civil remedy provision, only if the person is affected by the contravention, or will be affected by the proposed contravention:
(a) an employee;
(aa) a prospective employee;
(b) an employer;
(c) an outworker;
(d) an outworker entity.
Employee organisations and registered employee associations
(2) An employee organisation or a registered employee association may apply for an order under this Division, in relation to a contravention or proposed contravention of a civil remedy provision in relation to an employee, only if:
(a) the employee is affected by the contravention, or will be affected by the proposed contravention; and
(b) the organisation or association is entitled to represent the industrial interests of the employee.
(3) However, subsection (2) does not apply in relation to:
(a) items 4, 7 and 14 in the table in subsection 539(2); or
(b) a contravention or proposed contravention of:
(i) an outworker term in a modern award; or
(ii) a term in an enterprise agreement that would be an outworker term if it were included in a modern award.
(4) An employee organisation may apply for an order under this Division, in relation to a contravention or proposed contravention of:
(a) an outworker term in a modern award; or
(b) a term in an enterprise agreement that would be an outworker term if it were included in a modern award;
only if the employee organisation is entitled to represent the industrial interests of an outworker to whom the term relates.
Employer organisations
(5) An employer organisation may apply for an order under this Division, in relation to a contravention or proposed contravention of a civil remedy provision, only if the organisation has a member who is affected by the contravention, or who will be affected by the proposed contravention.
Industrial associations
(6) An industrial association may apply for an order under this Division, in relation to a contravention or proposed contravention of a civil remedy provision, only if:
(a) the industrial association is affected by the contravention, or will be affected by the proposed contravention; or
(b) if the contravention is in relation to a person:
(i) the person is affected by the contravention, or will be affected by the proposed contravention; and
(ii) the industrial association is entitled to represent the industrial interests of the person.
(7) If an item in column 2 of the table in subsection 539(2) refers to an industrial association then, to avoid doubt, an employee organisation, a registered employee association or an employer organisation may apply for an order, in relation to a contravention or proposed contravention of a civil remedy provision, only if the organisation or association is entitled to apply for the order under subsection (6).
Regulations
(8) The regulations may prescribe a person for the purposes of an item in column 2 of the table in subsection 539(2). The regulations may provide that the person is prescribed only in relation to circumstances specified in the regulations.
541 Applications for orders in relation to safety net contractual entitlements
(1) This section applies if an inspector applies to a court for an order under this Division, in relation to an employer’s contravention or proposed contravention of a provision or term referred to in subsection (3) in relation to an employee.
(2) The inspector may also apply to the court, on behalf of the employee, for an order in relation to the employer’s contravention, or proposed contravention, of a safety net contractual entitlement of the employee.
(3) The provisions and terms are the following:
(a) a provision of the National Employment Standards;
(b) a term of a modern award;
(c) a term of an enterprise agreement;
(d) a term of a workplace determination;
(e) a term of a national minimum wage order;
(f) a term of an equal remuneration order.
542 Entitlements under contracts
(1) For the purposes of this Part, a safety net contractual entitlement of a national system employer or a national system employee, as in force from time to time, also has effect as an entitlement of the employer or employee under this Act.
(2) The entitlement has effect under this Act subject to any modifications, by a law of the Commonwealth (including this Act or a fair work instrument), a State or a Territory, of the safety net contractual entitlement.
543 Applications for orders in relation to statutory entitlements derived from contracts
A national system employer or a national system employee may apply to the Federal Court or the Federal Circuit Court to enforce an entitlement of the employer or employee arising under subsection 542(1).
544 Time limit on applications
A person may apply for an order under this Division in relation to a contravention of one of the following only if the application is made within 6 years after the day on which the contravention occurred:
(a) a civil remedy provision;
(b) a safety net contractual entitlement;
(c) an entitlement arising under subsection 542(1).
Note 1: This section does not apply in relation to general protections court applications or unlawful termination court applications (see subparagraphs 370(a)(ii) and 778(a)(ii)).
Note 2: For time limits on orders relating to underpayments, see subsection 545(5).
Subdivision B—Orders
545 Orders that can be made by particular courts
Federal Court and Federal Circuit Court
(1) The Federal Court or the Federal Circuit Court may make any order the court considers appropriate if the court is satisfied that a person has contravened, or proposes to contravene, a civil remedy provision.
Note 1: For the court’s power to make pecuniary penalty orders, see section 546.
Note 2: For limitations on orders in relation to costs, see section 570.
Note 3: The Federal Court and the Federal Circuit Court may grant injunctions in relation to industrial action under subsections 417(3) and 421(3).
Note 4: There are limitations on orders that can be made in relation to contraventions of subsection 65(5), 76(4), 463(1) or 463(2) (which deal with reasonable business grounds and protected action ballot orders) (see subsections 44(2), 463(3) and 745(2)).
(2) Without limiting subsection (1), orders the Federal Court or Federal Circuit Court may make include the following:
(a) an order granting an injunction, or interim injunction, to prevent, stop or remedy the effects of a contravention;
(b) an order awarding compensation for loss that a person has suffered because of the contravention;
(c) an order for reinstatement of a person.
Eligible State or Territory courts
(3) An eligible State or Territory court may order an employer to pay an amount to, or on behalf of, an employee of the employer if the court is satisfied that:
(a) the employer was required to pay the amount under this Act or a fair work instrument; and
(b) the employer has contravened a civil remedy provision by failing to pay the amount.
Note 1: For the court’s power to make pecuniary penalty orders, see section 546.
Note 2: For limitations on orders in relation to costs, see section 570.
(3A) An eligible State or Territory court may order an outworker entity to pay an amount to, or on behalf of, an outworker if the court is satisfied that:
(a) the outworker entity was required to pay the amount under a modern award; and
(b) the outworker entity has contravened a civil remedy provision by failing to pay the amount.
Note 1: For the court’s power to make pecuniary penalty orders, see section 546.
Note 2: For limitations on orders in relation to costs, see section 570.
When orders may be made
(4) A court may make an order under this section:
(a) on its own initiative, during proceedings before the court; or
(b) on application.
Time limit for orders in relation to underpayments
(5) A court must not make an order under this section in relation to an underpayment that relates to a period that is more than 6 years before the proceedings concerned commenced.
546 Pecuniary penalty orders
(1) The Federal Court, the Federal Circuit Court or an eligible State or Territory court may, on application, order a person to pay a pecuniary penalty that the court considers is appropriate if the court is satisfied that the person has contravened a civil remedy provision.
Note: Pecuniary penalty orders cannot be made in relation to conduct that contravenes a term of a modern award, a national minimum wage order or an enterprise agreement only because of the retrospective effect of a determination (see subsections 167(3) and 298(2)).
Determining amount of pecuniary penalty
(2) The pecuniary penalty must not be more than:
(a) if the person is an individual—the maximum number of penalty units referred to in the relevant item in column 4 of the table in subsection 539(2); or
(b) if the person is a body corporate—5 times the maximum number of penalty units referred to in the relevant item in column 4 of the table in subsection 539(2).
Payment of penalty
(3) The court may order that the pecuniary penalty, or a part of the penalty, be paid to:
(a) the Commonwealth; or
(b) a particular organisation; or
(c) a particular person.
Recovery of penalty
(4) The pecuniary penalty may be recovered as a debt due to the person to whom the penalty is payable.
No limitation on orders
(5) To avoid doubt, a court may make a pecuniary penalty order in addition to one or more orders under section 545.
547 Interest up to judgment
(1) This section applies to an order (other than a pecuniary penalty order) under this Division in relation to an amount that a person was required to pay to, or on behalf of, another person under this Act or a fair work instrument.
(2) In making the order the court must, on application, include an amount of interest in the sum ordered, unless good cause is shown to the contrary.
(3) Without limiting subsection (2), in determining the amount of interest, the court must take into account the period between the day the relevant cause of action arose and the day the order is made.
Division 3—Small claims procedure
548 Plaintiffs may choose small claims procedure
(1) Proceedings are to be dealt with as small claims proceedings under this section if:
(a) a person applies for an order (other than a pecuniary penalty order) under Division 2 from a magistrates court or the Federal Circuit Court; and
(b) the order relates to an amount referred to in subsection (1A); and
(c) the person indicates, in a manner prescribed by the regulations or by the rules of the court, that he or she wants the small claims procedure to apply to the proceedings.
(1A) The amounts are as follows:
(a) an amount that an employer was required to pay to, or on behalf of, an employee:
(i) under this Act or a fair work instrument; or
(ii) because of a safety net contractual entitlement; or
(iii) because of an entitlement of the employee arising under subsection 542(1);
(b) an amount that an outworker entity was required to pay to, or on behalf of, an outworker under a modern award.
Limits on award
(2) In small claims proceedings, the court may not award more than:
(a) $20,000; or
(b) if a higher amount is prescribed by the regulations—that higher amount.
Procedure
(3) In small claims proceedings, the court is not bound by any rules of evidence and procedure and may act:
(a) in an informal manner; and
(b) without regard to legal forms and technicalities.
(4) At any stage of the small claims proceedings, the court may amend the papers commencing the proceedings if sufficient notice is given to any party adversely affected by the amendment.
Legal representation
(5) A party to small claims proceedings may be represented in the proceedings by a lawyer only with the leave of the court.
(6) If the court grants leave for a party to the proceedings to be represented by a lawyer, the court may, if it considers appropriate, do so subject to conditions designed to ensure that no other party is unfairly disadvantaged.
(7) For the purposes of this section, a person is taken not to be represented by a lawyer if the lawyer is an employee or officer of the person.
Representation by an industrial association
(8) The regulations may provide for a party to small claims proceedings to be represented in the proceedings, in specified circumstances, by an official of an industrial association.
(9) However, if small claims proceedings are heard in a court of a State, the regulations may so provide only if the law of the State allows a party to be represented in that court in those circumstances by officials of bodies representing interests related to the matters in dispute.
Division 4—General provisions relating to civil remedies
549 Contravening a civil remedy provision is not an offence
A contravention of a civil remedy provision is not an offence.
550 Involvement in contravention treated in same way as actual contravention
(1) A person who is involved in a contravention of a civil remedy provision is taken to have contravened that provision.
Note: If a person (the involved person) is taken under this subsection to have contravened a civil remedy provision, the involved person’s contravention may be a serious contravention (see subsection 557A(5A)). Serious contraventions attract higher maximum penalties (see subsection 539(2)).
(2) A person is involved in a contravention of a civil remedy provision if, and only if, the person:
(a) has aided, abetted, counselled or procured the contravention; or
(b) has induced the contravention, whether by threats or promises or otherwise; or
(c) has been in any way, by act or omission, directly or indirectly, knowingly concerned in or party to the contravention; or
(d) has conspired with others to effect the contravention.
551 Civil evidence and procedure rules for proceedings relating to civil remedy provisions
A court must apply the rules of evidence and procedure for civil matters when hearing proceedings relating to a contravention, or proposed contravention, of a civil remedy provision.
552 Civil proceedings after criminal proceedings
A court must not make a pecuniary penalty order against a person for a contravention of a civil remedy provision if the person has been convicted of an offence constituted by conduct that is substantially the same as the conduct constituting the contravention.
553 Criminal proceedings during civil proceedings
(1) Proceedings for a pecuniary penalty order against a person for a contravention of a civil remedy provision are stayed if:
(a) criminal proceedings are commenced or have already commenced against the person for an offence; and
(b) the offence is constituted by conduct that is substantially the same as the conduct in relation to which the order would be made.
(2) The proceedings for the order may be resumed if the person is not convicted of the offence. Otherwise, the proceedings for the order are dismissed.
554 Criminal proceedings after civil proceedings
Criminal proceedings may be commenced against a person for conduct that is substantially the same as conduct constituting a contravention of a civil remedy provision regardless of whether an order has been made against the person under Division 2.
555 Evidence given in proceedings for pecuniary penalty not admissible in criminal proceedings
(1) Evidence of information given, or evidence of production of documents, by an individual is not admissible in criminal proceedings against the individual if:
(a) the individual previously gave the information or produced the documents in proceedings for a pecuniary penalty order against the individual for a contravention of a civil remedy provision (whether or not the order was made); and
(b) the conduct alleged to constitute the offence is substantially the same as the conduct in relation to which the order was sought.
(2) However, this does not apply to criminal proceedings in relation to the falsity of the evidence given by the individual in the proceedings for the pecuniary penalty order.
556 Civil double jeopardy
If a person is ordered to pay a pecuniary penalty under a civil remedy provision in relation to particular conduct, the person is not liable to be ordered to pay a pecuniary penalty under some other provision of a law of the Commonwealth in relation to that conduct.
Note: A court may make other orders, such as an order for compensation, in relation to particular conduct even if the court has made a pecuniary penalty order in relation to that conduct (see subsection 546(5)).
557 Course of conduct
(1) For the purposes of this Part, 2 or more contraventions of a civil remedy provision referred to in subsection (2) are, subject to subsection (3), taken to constitute a single contravention if:
(a) the contraventions are committed by the same person; and
(b) the contraventions arose out of a course of conduct by the person.
(2) The civil remedy provisions are the following:
(a) subsection 44(1) (which deals with contraventions of the National Employment Standards);
(b) section 45 (which deals with contraventions of modern awards);
(c) section 50 (which deals with contraventions of enterprise agreements);
(d) section 280 (which deals with contraventions of workplace determinations);
(e) section 293 (which deals with contraventions of national minimum wage orders);
(f) section 305 (which deals with contraventions of equal remuneration orders);
(g) subsection 323(1) (which deals with methods and frequency of payment);
(h) subsection 323(3) (which deals with methods of payment specified in modern awards or enterprise agreements);
(i) subsection 325(1) (which deals with unreasonable requirements on employees to spend or pay amounts);
(ia) subsection 325(1A) (which deals with unreasonable requirements on prospective employees to spend or pay amounts);
(j) subsection 417(1) (which deals with industrial action before the nominal expiry date of an enterprise agreement etc.);
(k) subsection 421(1) (which deals with contraventions of orders in relation to industrial action);
(l) section 434 (which deals with contraventions of Ministerial directions in relation to industrial action);
(m) subsection 530(4) (which deals with notifying Centrelink of certain proposed dismissals);
(n) subsections 535(1), (2) and (4) (which deal with employer obligations in relation to employee records);
(o) subsections 536(1), (2) and (3) (which deal with employer obligations in relation to pay slips);
(p) subsection 745(1) (which deals with contraventions of the extended parental leave provisions);
(q) section 760 (which deals with contraventions of the extended notice of termination provisions);
(r) subsection 785(4) (which deals with notifying Centrelink of certain proposed terminations);
(s) any other civil remedy provisions prescribed by the regulations.
(3) Subsection (1) does not apply to a contravention of a civil remedy provision that is committed by a person after a court has imposed a pecuniary penalty on the person for an earlier contravention of the provision.
557A Serious contravention of civil remedy provisions
(1) A contravention of a civil remedy provision by a person is a serious contravention if:
(a) the person knowingly contravened the provision; and
(b) the person’s conduct constituting the contravention was part of a systematic pattern of conduct relating to one or more other persons.
Note: For the liability of bodies corporate for serious contraventions, see section 557B.
Example: Generally, subsection 323(1) requires an employer to pay an employee the full amount payable to the employee in relation to the performance of work.
A contravention of subsection 323(1) is a serious contravention if the employer knowingly does not pay the employee in full (even if the employer does not know the exact amount of the underpayment) and that contravention is part of a systematic pattern of conduct by the employer. The systematic pattern of conduct of the employer may relate to more than one employee and may consist of different contraventions.
Systematic pattern of conduct
(2) In determining whether the person’s conduct constituting the contravention of the provision was part of a systematic pattern of conduct, a court may have regard to:
(a) the number of contraventions (the relevant contraventions) of this Act committed by the person; and
(b) the period over which the relevant contraventions occurred; and
(c) the number of other persons affected by the relevant contraventions; and
(ca) the person’s response, or failure to respond, to any complaints made about the relevant contraventions; and
(d) except if the provision contravened is section 535—whether the person also contravened subsection 535(1), (2) or (4) by failing to make or keep, in accordance with that section, an employee record relating to the conduct constituting the relevant contraventions; and
(e) except if the provision contravened is section 536—whether the person also contravened subsection 536(1), (2) or (3) by failing to give, in accordance with that section, a pay slip relating to the conduct constituting the relevant contraventions.
(3) Subsection (2) does not limit the matters that a court may have regard to.
(4) Subsection 557(1) does not apply for the purposes of determining whether the person’s conduct was part of a systematic pattern of conduct.
(5) Subsection (4) does not otherwise affect the operation of subsection 557(1) in relation to serious contraventions of civil remedy provisions.
Involvement in a serious contravention
(5A) A person (the involved person) who is involved in a contravention of a civil remedy provision by another person (the principal) commits a serious contravention of the provision only if:
(a) the principal’s contravention was a serious contravention; and
(b) the involved person knew that the principal’s contravention was a serious contravention.
Application for a serious contravention order and alternative orders
(6) If a person is applying for an order in relation to a serious contravention of a civil remedy provision, the person’s application under subsection 539(2) must specify the relevant serious contravention.
(7) If, in proceedings for an order in relation to a serious contravention of a civil remedy provision, the court:
(a) is not satisfied that the person has committed a serious contravention against that provision; and
(b) is satisfied that the person has contravened that provision;
the court may make a pecuniary penalty order against the person not for the serious contravention but for the contravention of that provision.
557B Liability of bodies corporate for serious contravention
(1) For the purposes of subsection 557A(1), a body corporate knowingly contravenes a civil remedy provision if the body corporate expressly, tacitly or impliedly authorised the contravention.
(2) This section does not limit section 793.
557C Presumption where records not provided
(1) If:
(a) in proceedings relating to a contravention by an employer of a civil remedy provision referred to in subsection (3), an applicant makes an allegation in relation to a matter; and
(b) the employer was required:
(i) by subsection 535(1) or (2) to make and keep a record; or
(ii) by regulations made for the purposes of subsection 535(3) to make available for inspection a record; or
(iii) by subsection 536(1) or (2) to give a pay slip;
in relation to the matter; and
(c) the employer failed to comply with the requirement;
the employer has the burden of disproving the allegation.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if the employer provides a reasonable excuse as to why there has not been compliance with subsection 557C(1)(b).
(3) The civil remedy provisions are the following:
(a) subsection 44(1) (which deals with contraventions of the National Employment Standards);
(b) section 45 (which deals with contraventions of modern awards);
(c) section 50 (which deals with contraventions of enterprise agreements);
(d) section 280 (which deals with contraventions of workplace determinations);
(e) section 293 (which deals with contraventions of national minimum wage orders);
(f) section 305 (which deals with contraventions of equal remuneration orders);
(g) subsection 323(1) (which deals with methods and frequency of payment);
(h) subsection 323(3) (which deals with methods of payment specified in modern awards or enterprise agreements);
(i) subsection 325(1) (which deals with unreasonable requirements to spend or pay amounts);
(j) any other civil remedy provisions prescribed by the regulations.
558 Regulations dealing with infringement notices
(1) The regulations may provide for a person who is alleged to have contravened a civil remedy provision to pay a penalty to the Commonwealth as an alternative to civil proceedings.
(2) The penalty must not exceed one‑tenth of the maximum penalty that a court could have ordered the person to pay under section 546 if the court was satisfied that the person had contravened that provision.
Division 4A—Responsibility of responsible franchisor entities and holding companies for certain contraventions
558A Meaning of franchisee entity and responsible franchisor entity
(1) A person is a franchisee entity of a franchise if:
(a) the person is a franchisee (including a subfranchisee) in relation to the franchise; and
(b) the business conducted by the person under the franchise is substantially or materially associated with intellectual property relating to the franchise.
(2) A person is a responsible franchisor entity for a franchisee entity of a franchise if:
(a) the person is a franchisor (including a subfranchisor) in relation to the franchise; and
(b) the person has a significant degree of influence or control over the franchisee entity’s affairs.
558B Responsibility of responsible franchisor entities and holding companies for certain contraventions
Responsible franchisor entities
(1) A person contravenes this subsection if:
(a) an employer who is a franchisee entity of a franchise contravenes a civil remedy provision referred to in subsection (7); and
(b) the person is a responsible franchisor entity for the franchisee entity; and
(c) the contravention by the franchisee entity occurs in the franchisee entity’s capacity as a franchisee entity; and
(d) either:
(i) the responsible franchisor entity or an officer (within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001) of the responsible franchisor entity knew or could reasonably be expected to have known that the contravention by the franchisee entity would occur; or
(ii) at the time of the contravention by the franchisee entity, the responsible franchisor entity or an officer (within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001) of the responsible franchisor entity knew or could reasonably be expected to have known that a contravention by the franchisee entity of the same or a similar character was likely to occur.
Note: This subsection is a civil remedy provision (see this Part).
Holding companies
(2) A person contravenes this subsection if:
(a) the person is a body corporate; and
(b) a subsidiary (within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001) of the body corporate who is an employer contravenes a civil remedy provision referred to in subsection (7); and
(c) either:
(i) the body corporate or an officer (within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001) of the body corporate knew or could reasonably be expected to have known that the contravention by the subsidiary would occur; or
(ii) at the time of the contravention by the subsidiary, the body corporate or an officer (within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001) of the body corporate knew or could reasonably be expected to have known that a contravention by the subsidiary of the same or a similar character was likely to occur.
Note: This subsection is a civil remedy provision (see this Part).
Reasonable steps to prevent a contravention of the same or a similar character
(3) A person does not contravene subsection (1) or (2) if, as at the time of the contravention referred to in paragraph (1)(a) or (2)(b), the person had taken reasonable steps to prevent a contravention by the franchisee entity or subsidiary of the same or a similar character.
(4) For the purposes of subsection (3), in determining whether a person took reasonable steps to prevent a contravention by a franchisee entity or subsidiary (the contravening employer) of the same or a similar character, a court may have regard to all relevant matters, including the following:
(a) the size and resources of the franchise or body corporate (as the case may be);
(b) the extent to which the person had the ability to influence or control the contravening employer’s conduct in relation to the contravention referred to in paragraph (1)(a) or (2)(b) or a contravention of the same or a similar character;
(c) any action the person took directed towards ensuring that the contravening employer had a reasonable knowledge and understanding of the requirements under the applicable provisions referred to in subsection (7);
(d) the person’s arrangements (if any) for assessing the contravening employer’s compliance with the applicable provisions referred to in subsection (7);
(e) the person’s arrangements (if any) for receiving and addressing possible complaints about alleged underpayments or other alleged contraventions of this Act within:
(i) the franchise; or
(ii) the body corporate or any subsidiary (within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001) of the body corporate;
as the case may be;
(f) the extent to which the person’s arrangements (whether legal or otherwise) with the contravening employer encourage or require the contravening employer to comply with this Act or any other workplace law.
(5) Subsection (4) does not limit subsection (3).
Civil proceedings in relation to contravention by franchisee entity or subsidiary not required
(6) To avoid doubt, a reference in paragraph (1)(a) or (2)(b) to a contravention by a franchisee entity or subsidiary includes any contravention whether or not an order has been sought or made against the franchisee entity or subsidiary under Division 2 for the contravention.
Relevant civil remedy provisions
(7) The civil remedy provisions are the following:
(a) subsection 44(1) (which deals with contraventions of the National Employment Standards);
(b) section 45 (which deals with contraventions of modern awards);
(c) section 50 (which deals with contraventions of enterprise agreements);
(d) section 280 (which deals with contraventions of workplace determinations);
(e) section 293 (which deals with contraventions of national minimum wage orders);
(f) section 305 (which deals with contraventions of equal remuneration orders);
(g) subsection 323(1) (which deals with methods and frequency of payment);
(h) subsection 323(3) (which deals with methods of payment specified in modern awards or enterprise agreements);
(i) subsection 325(1) (which deals with unreasonable requirements on employees to spend or pay amounts);
(ia) subsection 325(1A) (which deals with unreasonable requirements on prospective employees to spend or pay amounts);
(j) subsection 328(1), (2) or (3) (which deal with employer obligations in relation to guarantees of annual earnings);
(k) subsection 357(1) (which deals with misrepresenting employment as an independent contracting arrangement);
(l) section 358 (which deals with dismissing an employee to engage as an independent contractor);
(m) section 359 (which deals with misrepresentations to engage an individual as an independent contractor);
(n) subsection 535(1), (2) or (4) (which deal with employer obligations in relation to employee records);
(o) subsection 536(1), (2) or (3) (which deal with employer obligations in relation to pay slips).
558C Right of responsible franchisor entity or holding company to recover
(1) This section applies if:
(a) a person pays an amount to, or on behalf of, an employee pursuant to an order under subsection 545(1) relating to a contravention by the person of subsection 558B(1) or (2) in relation to a franchisee entity or subsidiary (the contravening employer); and
(b) the person has not otherwise recovered from the contravening employer an amount (the recoverable amount) equal to the amount paid by the person.
(2) The person may commence proceedings against the contravening employer for payment to the person of so much of the recoverable amount as has not been recovered.
(3) The proceedings may be commenced in:
(a) the Federal Court; or
(b) the Federal Circuit Court; or
(c) an eligible State or Territory court.
(4) The court may make an order requiring the contravening employer to pay the person the recoverable amount (or so much of it as has not been recovered from the contravening employer), if the court is satisfied that this section applies as referred to in subsection (1).
(5) In making the order, the court must, on application, include an amount of interest in the sum ordered, unless good cause is shown to the contrary.
(6) Without limiting subsection (5), in determining the amount of interest, the court must take into account the period between the day when the amount referred to in paragraph (1)(a) was paid by the person and the day when the order is made.
(7) Proceedings cannot be commenced under this section more than 6 years after the time when the person paid the amount referred to in paragraph (1)(a).
Division 5—Unclaimed money
559 Unclaimed money
Payment to the Commonwealth
(1) An employer may pay an amount to the Commonwealth if:
(a) the employer was required to pay the amount to an employee under this Act or a fair work instrument; and
(b) the employee has left the employment of the employer without having been paid the amount; and
(c) the employer is unable to pay the amount to the employee because the employer does not know the employee’s whereabouts.
Discharge of employer
(2) Payment of the amount to the Commonwealth is a sufficient discharge to the employer, as against the employee, for the amount paid.
Payment where money later claimed
(3) The Fair Work Ombudsman, on behalf of the Commonwealth, must pay an amount to a person if:
(a) the amount has been paid to the Commonwealth under this section; and