Our Editorial Process
FairWork Mate publishes articles and builds tools about Australian workplace law. Getting this right matters — people make real decisions about their pay, leave, and employment based on what they read here. This page explains how we produce and maintain our content.
How we research articles
Every article starts with the primary source. For workplace law that means the Fair Work Act 2009, the relevant Modern Award, or the specific ATO ruling. We do not summarise other blogs or news sites — we go to the legislation and the regulators first.
Writers cross-reference against Fair Work Ombudsman guidance, Fair Work Commission decisions, and ATO technical guidance before publication. Where dollar figures or rates appear, we link to the official source so readers can verify.
Fact-checking and updates
Australian workplace rates change at least annually — the minimum wage decision comes down each June, super rates are legislated on a schedule, and tax thresholds shift with indexation. We review rate-sensitive content after each Annual Wage Review and at the start of each financial year.
Our calculator tools display a "Last verified" date so you can see when the underlying data was last checked. If you spot something that looks wrong, email us — we take corrections seriously and update within 48 hours.
What we are not
We are not lawyers, and nothing on this site is legal advice. We do not replace the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified workplace relations professional. Our tools give estimates based on the NES and published award rates — individual circumstances, enterprise agreements, and state laws can all change the answer. When in doubt, call the FWO or get professional advice.
Meet our writers
Rachel Morrison
Senior Workplace Relations Writer · GradDip Employment Relations, Griffith University
Nine years in Australian workplace relations — Queensland hospitality HR, then retail ER in Brisbane and Northern NSW. Graduate Diploma in Employment Relations (Griffith University, 2018). Writes about award interpretation, underpayment recovery, and casual conversion. Member of the AHRI since 2019. Based in Paddington, Brisbane.
Paddington, Brisbane, QLD
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Daniel Nguyen
Payroll & Compliance Editor · Registered BAS Agent, Cert IV Accounting & Bookkeeping
Six years running payroll for a Western Sydney commercial builder before moving to compliance writing and contract payroll. Registered BAS Agent (TPB). Cert IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping. Writes about pay calculations, superannuation, and the 2026 Payday Super rollout. Based in Cabramatta, Sydney.
Cabramatta, Sydney, NSW
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Megan Cole
Leave & Entitlements Specialist · JD, Monash University — Admitted in Victoria (non-practising)
Former Fair Work Commission Associate (2021–2024) after two years as a plaintiff-side employment paralegal in Melbourne. Juris Doctor from Monash University (2020). Writes about unfair dismissal, leave entitlements, termination, and enterprise bargaining. Admitted in Victoria, currently non-practising. Based in Fitzroy North.
Fitzroy North, Melbourne, VIC
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Tom Kirkwood
Small Business & Compliance Writer · Former small business owner · Cert IV in Small Business Management
Ran Kirkwood Landscaping in Bendigo for eight years before moving into trade supply operations. Writes about Modern Award compliance, employer obligations, and contractor classification from an operator's perspective. Cert IV in Small Business Management (La Trobe TAFE Bendigo, 2014). Based in Kangaroo Flat, Victoria.
Kangaroo Flat, Victoria
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