Section 695Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth)

Appointment of acting Fair Work Ombudsman

(1) The Minister may, by written instrument, appoint a person who is qualified for appointment as the Fair Work Ombudsman to act as the Fair Work Ombudsman:

(a) during a vacancy in the office of Fair Work Ombudsman (whether or not an appointment has previously been made to the office); or

(b) during any period, or during all periods, when the Fair Work Ombudsman is absent from duty or from Australia, or is, for any reason, unable to perform the duties of the office.

Note: See also section 33A of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901, which contains extra rules about acting appointments.

(2) Anything done by or in relation to a person purporting to act under an appointment is not invalid merely because:

(a) the occasion for the appointment had not arisen; or

(b) there was a defect or irregularity in connection with the appointment; or

(c) the appointment had ceased to have effect; or

(d) the occasion to act had not arisen or had ceased.

Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 17 May 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au. Verify the current text against the official source before relying on it.

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