Elevate Your Career with the Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman: Your Quick-Start Guide to a Rewarding Government Role 📈

Ever wondered what it’s like to be part of the Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman (OFWO)? We’ve crunched the numbers in their 2023–24 Annual Report so you don’t have to! In this rapid overview, we’ll shed light on the department’s mission, finances, staffing levels, and the skills they look for when hiring. Whether you’re a fresh graduate or a seasoned professional, this guide will help you grasp the essentials and confidently take the next step toward a dynamic government career.

---

AT-A-GLANCE:

• Name of Department / Council: Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman (OFWO)

• Location: Australia-wide

• CEO: Anna Booth, Fair Work Ombudsman

• Total Revenue
  OFWO receives funding from the Australian Government through annual appropriations. For 2023–24, their departmental appropriation was about $169.9 million, with additional funds bringing total resources available to approximately $292.9 million. By 30 June 2024, the department had payments of $170.7 million (including some carry-forward amounts). This ensures the agency can deliver on its commitment to workplace education, compliance, and enforcement.

• Total Number of Employees:
  An average staffing level of around 906 employees for 2023–24, with actual staffing peaking near the 1,000 mark over the year.

---

THE QUALIFICATION, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO

Top 5 academic qualifications most suited:

1. Bachelor of Business / Commerce
   Useful for dissecting payroll systems, budgeting, and financial analysis.

2. Law Degree / Juris Doctor
   Essential for interpreting the Fair Work Act 2009, preparing legal notices, and advising on workplace legislation.

3. Human Resources / Industrial Relations (Diploma, Advanced Diploma, or Bachelor)
   Strengthens knowledge on recruitment, compliance, and workforce policy.

4. Information Technology / Computer Science
   Vital for managing data-driven insights, internal systems, and cybersecurity.

5. Public Policy / Public Administration
   Enables informed decision-making, particularly on policy shaping and government frameworks.

Top 5 certifications most suited:

1. Certificate IV in Government
   Delivers foundational knowledge on public service obligations and protocols.

2. Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
   Enables the design and delivery of internal and external education programs.

3. Project Management (e.g. PRINCE2 Foundation, CAPM)
   Keeps multi-faceted initiatives—like compliance campaigns—on track.

4. Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Accountant (CA)
   Valuable in auditing large corporations’ payroll records and budgets.

5. Certificate III or IV in Business Administration
   Refines administrative abilities for supporting outreach, research, and dispute resolution.

Top 5 trades / professions most suited:

1. Paralegals / Legal Assistants
   Support investigations into Fair Work Act contraventions and litigation processes.

2. Payroll / Accounts Officers
   Identify underpayments and guide employers on rectifying wage errors.

3. Data Analysts
   Examine trends, highlight risk areas, and shape targeted compliance activities.

4. Investigators / Compliance Officers
   Core to conducting audits, site inspections, and resolving disputes.

5. Mediators / Conciliators
   Facilitate quick and productive dispute resolution, especially in complex cases.

Top 5 skills most suited:

1. Analytical Thinking
   Pinpoints wage discrepancies and streamlines internal operations.

2. Communication (Written & Verbal)
   Key for advice hotlines, face-to-face conciliation, and digital outreach.

3. Customer Service
   Vital for handling inquiries (290,990 calls answered in 2023–24!) and My account queries.

4. Attention to Detail
   Crucial for drafting enforceable undertakings and auditing detailed payroll records.

5. Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
   Strengthens ties with unions, employer groups, and community networks.

Top 5 work experiences most suited:

1. Legal or Paralegal Experience
   Interpreting legislation, drafting notices, and briefing employers on compliance.

2. Human Resources Management
   Managing employee conditions, selection criteria, and recruitment practices.

3. Customer Service / Call Centre
   Handling high-volume calls and providing quick, clear guidance on workplace entitlements.

4. Data Review & Auditing
   Spotting anomalies in wage records and investigating recurring trends.

5. Project Coordination
   Running nationwide compliance initiatives—from concept to final reporting.

---

THE KEY FACTS

• Name of Department: Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman (OFWO)

• Name of CEO: Anna Booth, Fair Work Ombudsman

• Location: Australia-wide

• Year Founded: 2009, under the Fair Work Act 2009

• Main mission and purpose of the department:
  The OFWO’s purpose is to promote harmonious, productive, cooperative, and compliant workplace relations across Australia. That means helping employees understand their entitlements, assisting businesses with their obligations, and enforcing workplace laws if breaches occur.
  
  Real-World Example: If an employee suspects underpayment, the OFWO can investigate, provide mediation, and recover wages where required. Employers benefit from practical advice on record-keeping, pay rates, and awards, ensuring everyone plays by the same rulebook.

• Main duties of the department:

  • Education & Outreach: Delivering seminars, webinars, phone advice, and digital resources to the community.

  • Dispute Resolution: Facilitating quick and fair outcomes between employers and employees.

  • Compliance & Enforcement: Conducting investigations, issuing compliance notices, and, if needed, pursuing court action.

  • Policy & Guidance: Informing government decisions to improve workplace legislation and standards.

• Real-World Example: OFWO recovers unpaid wages (over $473 million in 2023–24 alone) and ensures businesses rectify their payroll practices going forward.

• Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans and Initiatives:

  • Large Corporates & Universities: Addressing systemic underpayments and strengthening governance in big organisations.

  • Care Sector (Aged & Disability Support): Targeting accurate pay rates for a workforce that often includes vulnerable workers.

  • Fast Food, Restaurants & Cafés: Ongoing audits to safeguard young and migrant workers.

  • Building & Construction: Monitoring correct wage classifications and industrial activity compliance.

  • Agriculture Sector: Checking for lawful piece rates, seasonal hires, and fair treatment of overseas workers.

• Did you know?
  Over the past three years, the OFWO has recovered more than $1.5 billion in unpaid wages and entitlements, benefiting nearly 800,000 underpaid workers. 🤝

---

THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE

• Total Number of Employees:
  The average staffing level in 2023–24 was about 906 (APS employees), although actual staff numbers fluctuated around the 1,000 mark.

• Total Number of Employees at each Pay Level:

  • APS Levels 1–6: The bulk of roles, covering call centre teams, investigators, and frontline staff.

  • Executive Level (EL 1–2): Project leaders, senior advisors, and team managers.

  • Senior Executive Service (SES): Strategic leadership positions guiding policy and major initiatives.

• Salary Bands

  • APS 1–6: From ~$50k to $111k per year

  • Executive Levels: ~$123k to $187k per year

  • SES Levels: ~$256k to $343k+ per year

• Average Salary in the Department:
  Around $98k across all classification levels, reflecting a mix of entry-level and senior positions.

• Total Revenue:
  In 2023–24, annual appropriations were ~$169.9 million, with further capital and other receipts bringing total resources to ~$292.9 million.

• Average Revenue per Employee:
  Approximately $196k (total available resources divided by staff), funding crucial services like education, compliance notices, and dispute resolution.

---

GETTING A JOB AT

Which academic subjects are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?

• Certificate / Diploma Level:
  Certificate III or IV in Business (Administration / Operations)
  Helps with front-line customer service and efficient record-keeping.

  • Certificate IV in Government
    Delivers insight into APS operations, boosting your readiness for public-sector roles.

  • Certificate IV in Project Management
    Perfect for coordinating nationwide compliance campaigns and site visits.

• Bachelor / Master Level:

  • Bachelor of Business / Commerce (Major in Accounting or HR)
    Equips you to tackle payroll issues and compliance audits.

  • Bachelor / Master of Industrial Relations / Human Resources
    Ideal for refining HR policies and training staff on fair work obligations.

  • Bachelor / Master of Law (LLB / JD)
    Excellent for legal drafting, litigation processes, and policy advice.

• PhDs:

  • PhDs in Public Policy, Industrial Relations, or Organisational Psychology
    Offers evidence-based insights and strategic guidance on workplace reforms.

Which trades and professions are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?

• IT Systems Analysts & Developers
  Maintaining website tools (28.9 million visits in 2023–24) and ensuring data integrity.

• Legal Practitioners & Paralegals
  Handling enforcement actions and tackling complex disputes.

• Payroll Specialists
  Reviewing entitlements and ensuring back-pay arrangements are correct.

• Investigators & Inspectors
  Conducting unannounced visits and targeted audits to uphold workplace laws.

• Project & Policy Officers
  Shaping national communication, enforcement strategies, and outreach initiatives.

Which work experiences are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?

• Complaint Handling / Customer Engagement
  Showcases strong conflict-resolution and public-service ethos.

• Auditing / Financial Analysis
  Essential to uncover widespread underpayments and rectify corporate payroll issues.

• Research & Report Writing
  Supports data-driven policy and strategic decision-making.

• Mediation & Conflict Resolution
  Encourages efficient, amicable solutions for employers and workers.

• Government Administration
  Demonstrates familiarity with APS standards, accountability, and protocols.

Which skills are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?

• Soft Skills:

  • 🤝 Empathy & Active Listening
    Resolve disputes and clarify obligations calmly and fairly.

  • 🎯 Influencing & Persuasion
    Encourage voluntary compliance and foster positive workplace relations.

• Technical Skills:

  • 📊 Data Analytics & Business Intelligence
    Identify underpayment trends and hotspots for targeted audits.

  • 📜 Legal Drafting
    Prepare accurate compliance notices, litigation documents, and enforceable undertakings.

• General Skills:

  • 💡 Adaptability & Willingness to Learn
    Stay on top of evolving legislation, such as the Closing Loopholes Act.

  • 🤔 Collaboration & Teamwork
    Partner with unions, community groups, and employer associations.

  • ⚡️ Public Speaking / Presentation
    Deliver webinars and guidance to large audiences across multiple sectors.

Which hobbies and interests align with the work of this department?

• Community Volunteering
  Reflects a passion for service—an excellent fit for public-sector ethics.

• Reading Legal or Policy Updates
  Stays attuned to industrial relations developments.

• Debating / Toastmasters
  Builds confidence and negotiation skills—useful in conciliation or legal proceedings.

• Problem-Solving Games
  Sharpens the analytical mindset needed for investigations.

---

Want more information on this department?

Contact the department:

• Address:
  GPO Box 9887
  Melbourne VIC 3001
  Australia
  Telephone: 13 13 94

• Email: enquiries@fairwork.gov.au

• Website: www.fairwork.gov.au

---

FAST-TRACK YOUR GOVERNMENT CAREER 🚀

Want to skip the frustration of crafting the perfect government job application? Join the waitlist for Gov Job Pro and turn your dream of a government career into reality in just 15 minutes. Our AI-powered platform creates:
✓ Tailor-made two-page Selection Criteria Responses
✓ Tailor-made government Resumes
✓ Tailor-made Cover Letters

Join the Waitlist Now

Be among the first to access our game-changing application tool!

---

DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available information, including annual reports. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the information on this article. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this article.