‘Workers’ rights police’ | Fair Work Agency will have power to 'force entry' into offices

The Fair Work Agency has the power to conduct unannounced inspections, force entry to offices, and even arrest those it suspects of breaching labour law, new government documents have revealed.

Under policies released this week, the FWA – dubbed the 'workers’ rights police' – have been given authority under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.

“Certain FWA Enforcement Officers have access to certain police powers for the purpose of criminal investigations into labour market offences,” the Enforcement Policy states.

FWA granted significant powers

The FWA, launched on 7 April 2026, brings together several existing labour enforcement bodies, including HMRC’s National Minimum Wage Unit, the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA), and the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate (EAS).