This means your employer must follow Australian workplace laws, even if you are a temporary visa holder, international student, working holiday maker, migrant worker, or permanent resident.
Employment contracts or workplace agreements cannot remove your minimum legal rights.
Your Basic Workplace Rights
When working in Australia, you may be entitled to minimum workplace conditions such as:
minimum pay rates
safe working conditions
leave entitlements
fair treatment at work
protection from unlawful deductions
protection from discrimination or exploitation
Your exact entitlements may depend on your job, industry, award, agreement, and employment type.
Visa Holders and Migrant Workers
Visa holders have the same basic workplace protections as Australian citizens and permanent residents.
The Fair Work Ombudsman protects and enforces the workplace rights of visa holders in Australia.
Your employer cannot cancel your visa. Only the Department of Home Affairs can make decisions about visas.
Fair Work Information Statement
Before you start work, your employer should provide you with a Fair Work Information Statement.
This document explains important information about your minimum workplace rights and entitlements.
It can help you understand what you should expect from your employer when starting a new job.
Where to Get Help
If you are unsure about your workplace rights, pay, conditions, or treatment at work, you can visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website for official guidance.
You can also contact the Fair Work Ombudsman directly if you believe your workplace rights are not being followed.
Need Help?
For official workplace rights information, visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website or speak with an appropriate workplace adviser.