What is a Commonwealth authority?

Commonwealth authority means:

  1. a body corporate established for a public purpose by or under a law of the Commonwealth; or
  2. a body corporate:
    1. incorporated under a law of the Commonwealth or a State or a Territory; and
    2. in which the Commonwealth has a controlling interest.[64]

Commonwealth authorities include ‘corporate Commonwealth entities’ and ‘Commonwealth companies’. Examples include:

  • the Australian Postal Corporation (Australia Post)
  • the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
  • the Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC)
  • the National Library of Australia.
A ‘Flipchart’ and list of Commonwealth statutory authorities, including ‘corporate Commonwealth entities’ and ‘Commonwealth companies’ is available on the Department of Finance website (PGPA Flipchart and entity list): https://www.finance.gov.au/government/managing-commonwealth-resources/structure-australian-government-public-sector/pgpa-act-flipchart-and-list

Reference

[64] Fair Work Act s.12. 

How useful was this page?*

Note: your comments are anonymous. We use them to improve the website. Do not include any personal details.
Contact us or find legal help if you need a response.