Fair Work Commission

Introduction

In April 2019 the Fair Work Commission implemented a regional allocation system for some case types.

The objectives of regional allocation are to:

• improve national performance by providing clear responsibility and greater internal oversight of work allocated to Members
• allow a more even distribution of workload across Members, and
• provide savings and administrative efficiencies through reduced travel.

Regional allocations

The work of the Fair Work Commission is generally dealt with according to a regional allocation system.

Regional Coordinators, who are senior Members of the Commission, are responsible for allocating the work in each of the 3 regions.

Cases are allocated to Members in a region by a Regional Coordinator. They are generally dealt with in the region where the dispute occurred or where the work is performed, which is usually where the parties are located.

Cases are allocated based on location, although cases requiring specialist knowledge of an industry or case type may be allocated to a Member with relevant knowledge.

Find out more

• List of Commission Members (including locations)

National practice areas

National Practice Leaders will have oversight of each of the national practice areas.

Cases will be allocated to Commission Members based on location, although cases requiring specialist knowledge of an industry or case type may be allocated to a Member with relevant knowledge.

Note – major projects

Generally, a major project is a project with a capital value of at least $1 billion. However, projects of particular regional significance may be allocated to the practice area despite falling below the $1 billion threshold.

Projects are not automatically allocated to this practice area. Parties wishing to have a project allocated to the major projects practice area should apply to chambers.ross.j@fwc.gov.au.

To date, 5 projects have been allocated to the practice area:

• Barangaroo South Development Project
• BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) Projects
• Chevron Gorgon Gas Project
• INPEX Timor Sea Oil and Gas Project
• Wheatstone Gas Project

Expert panel for annual wage reviews

The Fair Work Act 2009 provides for an annual wage review conducted by an Expert panel for annual wage reviews.

The Expert panel comprises the President, 3 other full-time Members (appointed by the President) and 3 part-time Members.

Panel head: Justice Ross

Panel members