Fair Work Commission

Enquiries

Media enquiries should be directed to:

Media & communications team
Fair Work Commission
Email: communications@fwc.gov.au
Mobile: 0427 097 628

Information for media representatives

Media guide

The Fair Work Commission’s media guide provides media representatives with the key information they require when reporting on matters before the Commission. The document provides guidance and information on the processes for obtaining information, some tips for reporting on the Commission and other useful details that might be helpful to media representatives when covering matters before or relating to the Commission.  

Commonly sought information

Information commonly sought by the media includes:

• the names of Fair Work Commission Members – go to the List of Commission Members
• details of hearings – go to the Hearings & conferences section for the daily hearing lists
• major cases being heard by the Commission
• Hints & tips on searching for Commission documents, including decisions and orders
• statistics – published in Annual reports and quarterly reports
• the Commission's Privacy policy.

Guidelines for the use of cameras & recording equipment

Note: The use of television and still cameras and other electronic equipment in Commission proceedings is at the discretion of the Commission Member or Members involved.

Journalists may cover proceedings of the Commission held in public (ie public hearings), but not private conferences. In general, Commission proceedings are public if the hearing room door is open and private if the door is closed.

In & around hearing rooms

Cameras

To use television or still cameras or any other electronic equipment in a Commission hearing room you must have the permission of the Member hearing the matter, or in the case of a Full Bench, the presiding Member.

Media are asked to make such requests by contacting the Manager Media & Communications or the associate of the relevant Member.

Audio recording

Journalists may take notes in public proceedings, but sketching and the use of audio recorders (for note-taking or broadcast) is only permitted in hearing rooms with the permission of the Commission Member concerned.

As with requests for camera access, media are asked to seek permission for the use of such equipment through the Manager Media & Communications or the associate of the relevant Member.

Mobile devices

The following rules relate to the acceptable use of mobile devices during Commission conferences and hearings.

Mobile devices can include mobile phones, smart phones and tablets.

1. Mobile devices may be used during Commission conferences and hearings at the discretion of the Member.
2. Mobile devices must be on silent in all hearing and conference rooms, as well as general waiting areas.
3. The recording of any video or audio files or the taking of photographs during proceedings is strictly prohibited.

The Commission provides free guest wi-fi in all Commission offices, including hearing rooms and conference rooms. Please read the Guest wi-fi service terms & conditions before accessing the service.

Public areas

Media are permitted to use public areas outside hearing rooms for interviews and mobile phone conversations – provided they do not interfere with the work of the Commission.

Cameras may also be used in such areas – provided those being photographed or filmed do not object, and there is no interference with the work of the Commission.

Hearing & conference rooms not in session

Commission hearing rooms not in session may not be used for any media activities unless arrangements have been made through the Manager Media & Communications or the relevant Commission state manager.