PM announces new Fair Work Court

Specialist judges with workplace relations expertise will sit on the court, he said, to support faster, simpler and more accessible dispute resolution.

The PM said: “Australians who have been underpaid hundreds, even thousands, of dollars shouldn’t have to wait years for justice, or be told their case will cost more than their claim. That’s why Labor will fix it – with the Fair Work Court to resolve disputes faster and at lower cost, benefiting employees and employers alike.”

Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Amanda Rishworth said: “A Fair Work Court will make a significant difference to help workers receive the entitlements and pay they worked hard for. It is important the system works fairly and efficiently for workers and employers.

“Specialist judges with workplace relations expertise would ensure workplace matters are considered by people with appropriate expertise.”

Attorney-General Michelle Rowland said: “The new Fair Work Court will create a streamlined dispute resolution pathway, drawing on the expertise of specialist judges to make it easier and simpler for workers and businesses to navigate the legal system.

“The government looks forward to consulting with workers, business and the legal profession on the final design of the court.”

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The Australian Council of Trade Unions welcomed the announcement, with secretary Sally McManus saying: “Justice delayed is justice denied. If your boss owes you money, you should not have to wait one or even two years to get it back. Too many employers can drag out court cases and grind workers into the dust while making them wait to get a fair hearing.

“We all know someone who was ripped off at work but didn’t think it was worth the time, the stress or the money to go after their wages. This court will make it simpler for workers to recover wage underpayments and get other matters dealt with without waiting for years.”

Today’s announcement, McManus continued, recognises that workers’ rights matter and justice is “not only there for companies that can afford law firms from the big end of town”.

“The new Fair Work Court will make it harder for dodgy employers to operate outside of the law because they think they won’t get caught, which is hardly fair for all of the businesses that do the right thing and pay their workers properly and on time,” she said.

Further details about the consultation process for the new court will be released shortly, and the government will consult on the design of the proposed court this year.