Australia Fair Work Court proposal

The Albanese Labor government continues to develop its proposal for a specialist federal Fair Work Court. After the initial announcement at the Australian Labor Party’s 50th national conference in July 2025 and a detailed briefing two days later, the government reaffirmed the plan in late July 2026. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized that workers should not wait years for justice or incur costs exceeding their claims. The court would sit alongside the existing Fair Work Commission and be staffed by judges with expertise in employment law.

Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Amanda Rishworth noted that specialist judges would help workers receive entitlements promptly, while Attorney‑General Michelle Rowland framed the reform as part of a broader access‑to‑justice agenda. Officials said a consultation process with workers, employers and legal experts will begin later in the year to shape the court’s design and its relationship with the commission.

The proposal has been welcomed by the Australian Council of Trade Unions, which argues the current system allows well‑resourced employers to prolong cases. Opposing Liberal Party members warn the new judicial layer could add complexity. Commentators referenced the 1994 industrial relations court, abolished in 1997, as a historical predecessor, suggesting the new court aims to close gaps that make recovering unpaid wages and addressing wage‑theft offences costly and slow.