A school-based organisation is a body that provides advice and services to a government school. They’re generally made up of parents and teachers at the school but may also include community members.

They include the following:

• school associations in Tasmania
• school councils in Victoria
• school representative bodies in Northern Territory
• Parents and Citizens (P&C) associations in Australian Capital Territory
• governing councils in South Australia
• incorporated P&C associations in New South Wales
• incorporated councils and incorporated P&C associations in Western Australia.

The functions of a school-based organisation are different in each state and territory, but can include running school uniform shops and canteens.

To be covered by an award, a school-based organisation must be in the national system and covered by the Fair Work Act (FW Act). Not all school-based organisations are covered by the FW Act.

Tasmania, Victoria, Northern Territory, Australian Capital Territory, South Australia

School-based organisations in these states and territories are covered by the FW Act.

Queensland

School-based organisations in Queensland aren’t covered by the national system. They’re covered by the state system. Employees and employers should refer to their state industrial relations body to find out if there’s an instrument that covers them.

New South Wales

Incorporated P&C associations that engage in substantial trading activities will be covered by the FW Act.

Western Australia

Schools in Western Australia may have both a P&C association and a council.

Every school has a council, which may be incorporated or unincorporated.

Some schools also have a P&C association. If a school has a P&C association, it must be incorporated.

Incorporated councils and P&C associations that engage in substantial trading activities will be covered by the FW Act.