International engagement

Commission Members can provide assistance and training to overseas bodies to support the development of local institutions. This assistance may be delivered to officials during formal visits to Australia, or in-country at the request of a local institution or the International Labour Organization.

The Fair Work Commission has a number of formal agreements of cooperation with international bodies.

International Labour Organization (ILO)

In April 2013 a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by ILO Deputy Director General Greg Vines, and then Fair Work Commission President, The Honourable Justice I J K Ross AO.

The Memorandum formalises the strong and long-standing relationship between the ILO and the Commission, and offers scope for engagement and professional development opportunities for those involved in dispute prevention and resolution.

Ministry of Labour & Vocational Training of Cambodia

In June 2015 a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by then Fair Work Commission President, The Honourable Justice I J K Ross AO, and His Excellency Ith Sam Heng, Minister for Labour and Vocational Training, Cambodia.

The Memorandum recognises the close collaboration between the parties, and seeks to strengthen future cooperation.

Cambodian Arbitration Council

In June 2015, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by then Fair Work Commission President, The Honourable Justice I J K Ross AO, and Professor Kong Phallack, Cambodian Arbitration Council.

The Memorandum was signed in recognition of the ongoing relationship between the parties, and reinforced the parties’ objectives to further enhance their capacity and promote shared understanding of each country’s laws, workplace cultures and emerging issues.

Ministry of Manpower, Singapore

In June 2015, a Letter of Understanding was signed by then Fair Work Commission President, The Honourable Justice I J K Ross AO and Mr Then Yee Thong, the Ministry of Manpower, Singapore.

The Letter of Understanding recognised the shared interests of the parties to establish initiatives and programs to further the exchange of technical expertise between the organisations.

The International Committee's role is to:

• coordinate engagement with overseas dispute resolution agencies
• coordinate engagement with international agencies impacting on labour relations, including the International Labor Organization
• coordinate visits by international delegations.

The Committee members are:

• Vice President Catanzariti (Convenor)
• Deputy President Asbury (Deputy Convenor)
• Deputy President Binet
• Deputy President Anderson 
• Deputy President Hampton
• Commissioner Wilson 
• Commissioner Cirkovic 
• Alan Boulton
• Michael Gay