Anthony Forsyth, Consultant, Corrs Chambers Westgarth

Under Pt 3-4 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (FW Act), officials of unions registered under the FWRO Act have the right to enter employers' premises for purposes of:

• investigating suspected breaches of federal workplace laws (see Entry to investigate suspected contraventions of workplace laws);

• holding discussions with employees at the workplace (see Entry to hold discussions with employees); or

• enforcing occupational health and safety laws (see Entry for WHS purposes).

Union right of entry operates on the basis of the issuing of 'permits' to union officials. There are numerous conditions and requirements applicable to the exercise of entry rights by permit holders, and disputes relating to right of entry can be resolved by the Fair Work Commission (FWC).

See Union right of entry .