Fair Work Commission

Introduction

The Fair Work Commission undertakes consultation and research with various stakeholder groups, in addition to its ongoing feedback channels, to generate ideas and feedback that can help it deliver the most accessible, fair and efficient services to the community.

Proposed amendments to the Fair Work Commission Rules 2013

The Commission is considering a number of amendments to the Fair Work Commission Rules 2013 and is seeking public comment.

The proposed changes include:

• amendments to the circumstances in which a person requires permission to be represented by a lawyer or paid agent in a matter before the Commission
• amendments concerning applications for entry permits, and
• amendments regarding access to certain documents concerning enterprise agreements.

New Approaches program evaluation framework

The Commission is developing an evaluation methodology and conducting survey research with program participants to collect feedback about its services and the effectiveness of the program.

Agreements user experience research

The Commission has established a research program to examine user experiences of the agreement-approval process and explore ways to improve case management practices and information resources for users. 

Unfair dismissal client service survey

In October 2017, the Commission launched a client service survey inviting feedback and ideas from unfair dismissal applicants, respondents and representatives.

Unfair dismissal user-design research

Unfair dimissal user-design research was conducted with small business employers and applicants by Cube Group in 2017. Further user-design and user-testing research will be conducted in 2018-19.

Unfair dismissal & general protections conciliation feedback

The Commission continues to invite feedback from parties following the conduct of unfair dismissal & general protections conciliations.

Small business consultation

The Commission engaged Mr Bruce Billson to seek ideas and feedback to advise the Commission on how it can best meet the needs of small business.

The Commission will be directly engaging with small business operators and their representatives in 2018-19 to discuss the consultation findings and prioritise initiatives.

eCase – a new case management system

The Commission is building a new case management system. Employers, employees and representatives will be invited to attend design workshops to help shape the system for future users.