Your rights and entitlements at work

Know your rights

Every employee is entitled to basic rights at work, including the minimum wage and the right to be safe in the workplace. 

To understand your workplace rights in detail:

• the Australian Tax Office can help you work out whether you’re classified as an employee or contractor for tax and super purposes
• The Australian Human Rights Commission outlines your rights to do with workplace discrimination, harassment and bullying
• the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) has a range of fact sheets about equal opportunity, minimum wages, health and safety, sexual harassment and more at the ACTU’s Worksite Rights.

In addition, the Fair Work Ombudsman has extensive information on:

• employee protections that cover adverse action, coercion, undue influence or pressure and misrepresentation in the workplace
• your rights to industrial action and union membership
• how to get help resolving workplace conflict and issues
• the importance of pay slips and how they ensure employees receive the correct pay and entitlements.

Fair Work Information Statement

Most employees in Australia need to get a copy of the Fair Work Information Statement when starting a new job. It is a legal requirement for all employers to provide this before, or as soon as possible after, new employees start work. 

It covers important topics about employees’ pay and conditions including information on:

• National Employment Standards
• the right to request flexible working arrangements
• modern awards and other workplace details.

Find out more about the Fair Work Information Statement at the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Learn more about general rights, protections and other employee entitlements at the Fair Work Ombudsman.