The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) has launched a surprise crackdown on businesses suspected of shortchanging vulnerable workers, conducting unannounced inspections at around 50 workplaces across six major Australian cities.
Retailers, hair salons, and car washes were among businesses in Hobart, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Cairns that were visited by Fair Work Inspectors, primarily in central business districts.
Inspectors knocked on the doors of mobile phone repair stores, discount shops, independent butchers and bakeries, florists, specialty grocers, dry cleaners, and beauty supply outlets. The sweep also targeted hair and beauty salons and car washes — all industries known to commonly employ migrants and young workers.
Acting Fair Work Ombudsman Michael Campbell said inspectors checked time and wage records, as well as payslips, to ensure staff were being paid correctly and receiving their legal entitlements.
“Workplace breaches that involve migrant workers and young workers can be particularly serious,” he said.
“We find these workers are often unaware of their workplace rights or unwilling to speak up if something seems wrong.”
Campbell emphasised that visa holders have the same workplace rights as any other worker in Australia, and that visa protections exist for those who report workplace exploitation.
The businesses were selected for inspection based on intelligence received by the FWO, including anonymous tip-offs and complaints, or due to prior breaches.
Inspectors issued Infringement Notices — similar to on-the-spot fines — where they found employers were failing to meet their obligations, including poor or missing record-keeping, which often signals wage theft or underpayment.
“Record-keeping is the bedrock of compliance and must be taken seriously,” Campbell said.
“Pay slips help employees understand what they’re being paid, and accurate records are essential for running an efficient and lawful business.”
Under current laws, employers can be fined up to $1,878 per breach for individuals and $9,390 for companies.
The watchdog handed out 760 Infringement Notices in 2023–24, totalling $986,616 in penalties — up from 626 notices and $739,966 in fines the previous year.
During the inspections, Fair Work officers also ensured businesses were distributing mandatory Fair Work Information Statements and Casual Employee Information Statements to staff.
The results of this latest enforcement blitz won’t be made public until investigations are complete.
In the meantime, the FWO is urging employers to seek free advice and use available tools to ensure they meet their legal obligations from the start.
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