Scams & Disputes
Where to Actually Go for a Workplace Dispute (Five Bodies, Five Purposes)
VeriTradie Team 29 August 2026 2 min read
Australia handles different types of workplace dispute through different bodies, and most people don't know which one actually covers their specific issue — here's a quick directory.
- Underpayment or unfair treatment — Fair Work Ombudsman
- Unfair dismissal or more formal employment disputes — Fair Work Commission
- Safety issues on site — your state WHS regulator
- Licensing or building-specific disputes — your state building/consumer authority
- Unpaid invoices for construction or trades work — your state's Security of Payment scheme
Not sure which applies?
The Fair Work Ombudsman's free helpline can generally point you toward the right body even if the issue itself isn't something they handle directly.