Registered agents

A registered agent is a person who represents a union or a public service employer when acting as a recognised advocate for the respondent in an SAET matter.

Lawyers, and officers and employees of the association of which the respondent is a member, are among other people who may represent the defendant.

A registered agent can represent the respondent at conferences held during industrial disputes, with the permission of the presiding SAET member.

On many occasions when SAET sits as the Court a party may be represented a legal practitioner, a Registered Agent, an officer or employee of an association of which the party is a member, or a person who provides the representation for free.

At conferences held during industrial disputes a party can be represented by a Registered Agent or lawyer with permission of the presiding member.

A Recognised Advocate is a registered agent who represents a union or a public service employer at SAET.

Who can apply?

To become a registered agent you must meet criteria including having experience in industrial relations negotiation and advocating; being able to interpret awards, agreements and policies; and being a good communicator. The application form sets out the full range of requirements.

What do I have to do?

Within three days of submitting your application to SAET you must publish a notice of your application in The Advertiser.

Registered agents must conform to the Code of Conduct.

Form(s)

The application form is set out in Schedule 1 of the Fair Work (Representation) Regulations 2009

Fair Work (Representation) Regulations 2009

Is there a cost?

From 1 July 2023 the registration fee is $282 a year. Unless otherwise determined by the Registrar, registration is for two years, at a cost of $564.

Where can I find more information?

The SAET Registrar is required to keep a list of registered agents.

This is provided as general information and is not to be considered as a recommendation of any registered agent on the list.