Fair Work Agency Checklist

Get Clear on What the Fair Work Agency Means for Your Business

The Fair Work Agency launched on 7 April 2026, bringing together several existing enforcement functions under one body for the first time. It can inspect workplaces, demand records and issue financial penalties, and unlike previous enforcement, it doesn’t need a worker to complain before it investigates.

For small and growing organisations, this isn’t just a new name for old enforcement. It raises the bar on what your record-keeping, payroll accuracy and documentation need to look like, and some duties, like the new six-year holiday record-keeping requirement, are already in force.

To support this, SYLO | Beyond HR has created a free Fair Work Agency Checklist. It’s designed to help you understand what falls within scope now, what’s coming as the Agency’s powers expand, and how to prepare your organisation with confidence.

This practical checklist sets out:

• Which compliance areas, from pay and holiday accuracy to records and contracts, carry the most risk right now
• The practical actions to take in each area
• The risks and costs of getting it wrong
• Which areas need action now versus ongoing attention

Each section highlights risks, costs and actions involved.

Use the checklist to:

• Clarify your obligations under the Fair Work Agency’s remit
• Identify potential gaps in your record-keeping and documentation
• Plan payroll and policy updates in a structured way
• Support managers to apply consistent, audit-ready practices

Preparing early allows you to demonstrate compliance with confidence, reduce the risk of penalties, and maintain trust with your workforce.