RO pod: Talking about governance of registered organisations
RO pod: Talking about governance of registered organisations
Fair Work Commission
Welcome to RO pod: Talking about governance of registered organisations with the Registered Organisations Governance & Advice Branch at the Fair Work Commission. The official podcast about the regulation of unions and employer associations. In this monthly podcast we'll share essential information, uncover handy hints and tips and reveal our best tools for proactive compliance with the complex legislative requirements. Don't forget to subscribe and see how RO pod can help you and your organisation.
Episode 59: How to use the Model Rules
The Model Rules are designed to make drafting rules easier for registered organisations. They include plain-language guidance, annotations, and practical examples to help organisations modernise their rule books and strengthen governance. 
Dec 19, 2025
31 min
Episode 58: Good governance in practice – from an organisation's perspective
An important part of the Fair Work Commission's regulatory approach is to listen to and learn from stakeholders in our registered organisations community. In this episode, we invited Tom Lynch, the Federal President of the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU), to share his perspective on what good governance looks like in his organisation.
Jun 11, 2025
16 min
Episode 57: Developing an internal whistleblower policy
Members, officers and employees of registered organisations can report a concern about their registered organisation to the Fair Work Commission. However, registered organisations are encouraged to develop and implement a formal whistleblower policy to assist them to investigate and address concerns reported directly to them.
Mar 20, 2025
24 min
Episode 56: Compliance snapshot and setting up for a successful holiday season
Registered organisations can use our 2024 compliance snapshot to understand their own achievements and priorities and monitor their own performance against other organisations.
Dec 18, 2024
27 min
Episode 55: Common protected disclosure issues
Whistleblowers have the right to disclose a concern without reprisal under the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009 (the RO Act). However, not all disclosures are protected.   In this episode we talk about; matters that are commonly the subject of protected disclosures, what 'disclosable conduct' is and isn't, including specific examples and protections for whistleblowers and the relevant eligibility criteria.
Oct 30, 2024
18 min
Episode 54: Emerging trends in financial reports
Reporting units are required to meet financial reporting obligations each year under the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009 (the RO Act). After being lodged with us, financial reports are assessed by our Financial Analysis Team.  
Aug 29, 2024
20 min
Episode 53: How we regulate
The General Manager has recently released the Compliance and Enforcement Policy which covers registered organisations.   In this episode, we talk about the Commission's approach to regulation, and what enforcement tools and activities may be used where there are potential instances of non-compliance. 
Jun 24, 2024
18 min
Episode 52: Our education resources
Education is one of our core functions and we are constantly working to improve the material we provide using feedback from registered organisations. In this episode we talk about accessing and using a variety of education resources available on the Fair Work Commission website. 
Apr 29, 2024
14 min
Episode 51: New enforcement tools
The General Manager of the Fair Work Commission has been given expanded powers and functions to use compliance and enforcement instruments in the regulation of registered organisations. In this episode of RO pod, we look at these new enforcement tools and how they may affect registered organisations, as well as the types of conduct they apply to.
Feb 22, 2024
17 min
Episode 50: Changes to right of entry permit applications
The Fair Work Commission has made changes to the right of entry permit application process in response to the recommendations of the Registered Organisations Governance and Compliance External Review. You will hear about how the application process has been simplified, and how this will affect organisations and permit holders. 
Dec 20, 2023
19 min
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