Authorities have launched a major crackdown on migrant worker exploitation, with Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) and Australian Border Force (ABF) officers conducting surprise inspections at around 40 Melbourne businesses this week.
The inspections, spanning the CBD and 11 suburbs—including Clayton, Footscray, and Port Melbourne—focused on industries employing temporary visa holders, particularly in the food sector. Fast food outlets, restaurants, cafés, and businesses in retail, hair and beauty, wholesaling, and manufacturing were all under scrutiny.
Fair Work Inspectors examined time and wage records to ensure migrant workers were receiving correct pay and entitlements, while ABF officers provided employers with information on new laws that criminalise the exploitation of temporary visa holders.
FWO Ombudsman Anna Booth said migrant workers were often vulnerable to exploitation due to a lack of awareness about their rights.
“It is crucial visa holders know they have the same workplace rights as all other workers, and protections exist if they report exploitation.”
ABF Commander Ben Biddington reinforced the government’s zero-tolerance stance on migrant worker abuse, warning employers of severe consequences. “There is no place in Australia for employers who exploit workers or abuse our visa regime,” he said.
New migration laws, introduced last year, make it a criminal offence to use a worker’s visa status for exploitation, with penalties including up to two years’ jail or fines exceeding $118,000.
The FWO’s investigations into workplace breaches will continue following the site visits.
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