FWO (Fair Work Ombudsman)
The Fair Work Ombudsman enforces the Fair Work Act 2009 across all industries including building and construction. It took over from the ABCC in 2022-23.
Ask Chalkline about this →The FWO (Fair Work Ombudsman) is the federal body responsible for enforcing the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) across all industries, including building and construction (verified 2026-05-08). It investigates underpayment claims, sham contracting arrangements, and breaches of minimum employment conditions.
When the ABCC was abolished in February 2023, the FWO took over enforcement of the Fair Work Act in the building and construction sector. Unlike the ABCC, the FWO applies the same legislative powers across all industries; it does not have construction-specific investigative powers.
For builders, the FWO is the main federal regulator for employment-related obligations: minimum wages, casual loadings, overtime, record-keeping, and the rules around engaging workers as independent contractors rather than employees. The FWO’s building and construction sector page at fairwork.gov.au sets out current guidance (verified 2026-05-08).
Also known as: Fair Work Ombudsman
Category: Regulatory body
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Last updated: 2026-05-08. Verified: 2026-05-08. Quarterly review for currency.