Section 593 — Fair Work Act 2009: Hearings

(1) The FWC is not required to hold a hearing in performing functions or exercising powers, except as provided by this Act. (2) If the FWC holds a hearing in relation to a matter, the hearing must be held in public, except as provided by subsection (3). Confidential evidence in hearings (3) The FWC may make the following orders in relation to a hearing that the FWC holds if the FWC is satisfied that it is desirable to do so because of the confidential nature of any evidence, or for any other reason: (a) orders that all or part of the hearing is to be held in private; (b) orders about who may be present at the hearing; (c) orders prohibiting or restricting the publication of the names and addresses of persons appearing at the hearing; (d) orders prohibiting or restricting the publication of, or the disclosure to some or all of the persons present at the hearing of, the following: (i) evidence given in the hearing; (ii) matters contained in documents before the FWC in relation to the hearing. (4) Subsection (3) does not apply to the publication of a submission made to the FWC for consideration in an annual wage review (see subsection 289(2)).