Official form guide
Form template induction checklist: Template induction checklist
This is a template checklist from the Fair Work Ombudsman to help employers cover key workplace relations topics during new employee induction. It is a voluntary guide, not a mandatory form, and is used to ensure employees understand their rights and obligations.
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Form Overview
Fair Work Ombudsman Form template induction checklist - Template induction checklist
This is a template checklist from the Fair Work Ombudsman to help employers cover key workplace relations topics during new employee induction. It is a voluntary guide, not a mandatory form, and is used to ensure employees understand their rights and obligations.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Skipping items on the checklist can lead to employees not knowing their rights, which may result in underpayment or safety issues.
- 2Not covering all required topics, such as pay or leave entitlements.
- 3Failing to update the checklist when workplace laws change.
- 4Not keeping a signed copy as proof of induction.
- 5Assuming the employee understands without checking for questions.
Plain English
This is a simple checklist you can use when a new person starts working for you. It helps you talk through important things like pay, leave, and safety at work, so everyone is on the same page from day one.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Use it at the start of a new employee's induction, ideally on their first day or during their first week.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this checklist when onboarding new employees to ensure they understand their workplace rights and obligations.
- Use it as a guide to structure induction conversations about pay, leave, and workplace safety.
- Use it to document that key employment topics were covered, which can help with future disputes.
- Use it alongside other Fair Work Ombudsman resources, such as the Fair Work Information Statement.
- Use it as a starting point to tailor induction to your specific industry or workplace.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
New employee needs a formal record of employment terms
A contract sets out specific terms like pay and hours, while the checklist is only a guide
✓ Check if your award or registered agreement requires specific clauses in the contract
Written employment contract or letter of offer
Employee needs to receive the Fair Work Information Statement
The FWIS is a mandatory document that must be given to all new employees before they start
✓ Ensure you provide the latest version from the Fair Work Ombudsman website
Fair Work Information Statement (FWIS)
Employer wants to track training on workplace safety
Safety inductions are often required by work health and safety laws, separate from general employment topics
✓ Check your state or territory's WHS regulator for mandatory requirements
Workplace-specific safety induction checklist
Employee is covered by a specific award or enterprise agreement
General checklists may not cover award-specific entitlements like penalty rates or rosters
✓ Verify the correct award and its coverage before induction
Award-specific induction checklist or agreement summary
Employer needs to document that the employee received the checklist
A signed form confirms the employee was given the information, but the checklist itself is not a legal record
✓ Keep the signed form in the employee's personnel file
Deadline or filing window
There is no official deadline for this template. Use it before or during the employee's first week on the job.
Before you submit
- 1Review the checklist to ensure it covers all relevant topics for your workplace.
- 2Customise the checklist to include any specific policies or procedures your business has.
- 3Print enough copies for all new employees, or prepare an electronic version.
- 4Schedule time during the induction to go through each item with the employee.
- 5Have the employee and the manager sign and date the checklist after completion.
- 6File the completed checklist in the employee's personnel file.
- 7Provide the employee with a copy of the completed checklist for their records.
How to file this form
- 1Download the template from the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
- 2Review the template and adapt it to your workplace's needs.
- 3Print or save the checklist for each new hire.
- 4During induction, go through each item with the employee and discuss any questions.
- 5After completing the checklist, have both the employee and the supervisor sign and date it.
- 6Store the signed checklist in the employee's personnel file.
Known limitations
- 1This is a template, not a legal document, and does not replace professional advice.
- 2It may not cover all topics required by your specific award, agreement, or workplace policy.
- 3It does not serve as proof that the employee understood the information, only that it was presented.
- 4It is not a substitute for mandatory documents like the Fair Work Information Statement.
- 5The checklist may become outdated if employment laws change.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Applicant
1 items
Full name (and representative, if any), postal address, email, and phone number of the person or organisation lodging the application.
Respondent
1 items
The exact legal name and ABN of the employer or other party the application is made against.
The Matter
2 items
Identify the kind of matter — for example, unfair dismissal, general protections, or an agreement application.
A clear description of what happened, relevant dates, and the outcome you are seeking.
Dates
1 items
Relevant dates such as the date of dismissal or the date the issue arose — these determine whether you are within time.
Supporting
1 items
Any documents that support your application, such as letters, contracts, or notices.
Declaration
1 items
Sign and date the form. Applications may also require a fee or an application for a fee waiver.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->This is a template checklist provided by the Fair Work Ombudsman to help employers cover key workplace relations topics during new employee induction. It is not a mandatory form and has no official version number.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check the Fair Work Ombudsman website for any updated version of the template.
- Verify that the checklist reflects current national minimum wage and leave entitlements.
- Confirm that any references to legislation (e.g., Fair Work Act 2009) are still accurate.
- Review the checklist against your specific industry or award to ensure it covers all necessary topics.
- If you have modified the template, note the date of your last review.
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCFair Work OmbudsmanTemplate induction checklist (not confirmed in official source as of current date)
- SRCFair Work Ombudsman websitegeneral guidance on induction (not confirmed in official source)
- SRCFair Work Act 2009relevant to employment obligations (not confirmed in official source)
- SRCFair Work Information Statementmandatory document (not confirmed in official source)
Common confusion points
People often confuse this template with the mandatory Fair Work Information Statement – they are separate documents.
Some think the checklist must be lodged with the Fair Work Ombudsman – it is not, it is for internal use only.
Employers may assume the checklist covers all legal obligations – it is a guide, not a comprehensive legal checklist.
There is no official 'version' – the template may be updated without notice, so always check the website.
The checklist is not a contract – it does not create binding terms of employment.
It may not be suitable for all industries – you should adapt it to your specific workplace.
Source transparency
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