Know Your Workplace Rights: Safety, Respect, and a Voice at Work

Whether you're on a temporary visa, a permanent resident, or an Australian citizen, you’re entitled to safe working conditions and respect at work. Across most of Australia, work health and safety laws are in place to ensure you’re protected—physically and mentally—on the job.

You have the right to be shown how to do your job safely. That means proper training, equipment that’s in good condition, and clear instructions. From your first day, you should be walked through emergency exits, introduced to your supervisor and co-workers, and shown where to find first aid, bathrooms and break areas. This is called a workplace induction. If this doesn’t happen, or if you’re unsure how to do something safely, you should always speak up.

You have the right to refuse unsafe work. If something seems dangerous or unclear, stop and ask for help. You’re not expected to risk your wellbeing just to get the job done. This includes both physical safety and mental health. If your concerns are ignored, you can escalate them through your workplace health and safety representative or contact your state’s work health and safety regulator.

You also have the right to speak up—without fear of losing your job or being treated unfairly. If you feel pressured into silence or punished for raising safety concerns, that could be grounds for legal action. Workers are protected from retaliation under workplace laws.

You’re also entitled to workers compensation if you’re injured, no matter whose fault it was. Your employer must be insured, and you can lodge a claim to cover medical treatment and lost income. If you don’t know how to start this process, ask your employer or contact your state’s regulator for help.

And if you’re being bullied, harassed or treated unfairly—whether due to your race, gender, religion or otherwise—you have legal rights. You can raise the issue internally first, but you’re also free to seek help from anti-discrimination bodies, the Human Rights Commission, or a lawyer.

All workers in Australia also have the right to fair pay and working conditions. If you think you’re being underpaid or denied basic entitlements like breaks, sick leave or super, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Finally, you also have responsibilities. You must take reasonable care of your own safety and avoid endangering others. This includes reporting hazards, following instructions, and using personal protective equipment properly.

Safe and fair workplaces don’t happen by accident—they happen when workers know their rights and use them. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and speak up. You’re not alone, and you’re legally protected.