The Fair Work Act replaces the former Workplace Relations Act 1996(Cth). Whilst retaining the underlying system of workplace relations, the Fair Work Act introduces major changes. These are:
* the replacement of existing agencies with a one stop shop;
* the expansion of statutory minimum conditions;
* the modernisation of the federal award system;
* a renewed emphasis on collective bargaining; and
* expansion of access to the unfair dismissal jurisdiction.