Rights at work

If you feel physically threatened at work and need help, contact police assistance on 131 444.

Equal opportunity

Workers are protected by law against discrimination on a range of grounds including age, gender and race. Learn about your rights and how to deal with complaints as an employee and responsibilities as an employer on the Office of the Commissioner for Equal Opportunity website.

Fair treatment

If you have a complaint involving rehabilitation and return to work you can approach ReturntoWorkSA.

If you're an apprentice or trainee and you have a problem, disagreement or dispute with your employer, visit Resolving issues with your employer or phone us on 1800 673 097 for impartial advice. You can lodge an application with the South Australian Employment Tribunal if you can't resolve the matter.

The Fair Work Commission can help resolve general disputes between workers and their employers.

Unfair dismissal

Find out what unfair dismissal and termination mean under federal and state law, and what action employees can take.

Work without harassment and bullying

If you think you're a victim of sexual harassment or victimisation, contact the Office of the Commissioner for Equal Opportunity or the State Ombudsman.

You can make a complaint to the Office of the Commissioner for Equal Opportunity if you believe that you have been victimised for:

• using equal opportunity laws
• making, or intending to make a complaint or report about corruption, misconduct or maladministration in public administration under the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Act 2012
• providing, or intending to provide information to ICAC in connection with an investigation under the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Act 2012
• making an appropriate disclosure of public interest information under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2018.

Practical advice for employers and employees on dealing with the many kinds of workplace bullying and harassment can be found on the SafeWork SA website.

Safe work conditions

Your employer should provide you with safe work conditions. You have the right to refuse unsafe work. If you're asked to do something that you think may be unsafe, stop and talk to your supervisor or health and safety representative.

Read more about work health and safety laws at the SafeWorkSA website.

If an injury occurs at work contact your employer’s claims agent or ReturntoWorkSA on 13 18 55 as soon as possible.

Notice of termination

Learn about the rules governing termination of employment in South Australia and find out about the required notice of termination and your entitlements.

Termination may result from:

• the winding up of a business
• from an employee giving notice
• through a breach or variation of the employment contract by an on-the-spot dismissal.

The Legal Services Commission of South Australia also provides information and advice.

Employers must also observe minimum standards under fair work laws, in areas such as pay rates, leave, discrimination and termination of employment.

Related information

Other websites

• Fair Work Legislation - Fair Work Ombudsman
• Independent Commissioner Against Corruption - South Australia's Independent Commissioner Against Corruption