Recently one of our clients received an unannounced visit from a Fair Work Inspector for a compliance audit. For the benefit of all business managers and owners, note the following information about the role and powers of these inspectors.

Fair Work Inspectors are appointed by the Fair Work Ombudsman under the Fair Work Act 2009.

Fair Work Inspectors have powers to perform their role to promote and monitor compliance with relevant Commonwealth workplace laws. One part of their role is to conduct compliance audits at workplaces.

A Fair Work Inspector does not need permission to enter a workplace and can enter anytime during working hours.

They may inspect any work, process or object, interview anyone, require a person to tell them who has access to records, require records or documents to be handed over to them and make copies of records.

For more information visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website.