$284,000 in penalties after “heinous” conduct at Gold Coast restaurant

The operators of a Gold Coast restaurant have been penalised more than $284,000 and criticised by a Judge for their “heinous” conduct after paying overseas workers as little as $8 an hour and using false records to try to cover it up.

Businesses urged to avoid increased penalties for record-keeping breaches

Maximum penalties for businesses that breach record-keeping laws have recently doubled and the Fair Work Ombudsman is helping operators reduce their risk of being exposed to big fines with the release of a new online training course.

7-Eleven franchisee in court after allegedly dismissing worker who refused cash-back

A 7-Eleven Franchisee in Brisbane is facing court for allegedly dismissing a worker by removing him from the roster after he refused his employer’s request to repay an amount he had been paid.

Young workers, visa holders back-paid more than $70,000 by Brisbane businesses

The Fair Work Ombudsman has assisted 22 workers employed by businesses in Brisbane to recover $73,279 in unpaid wages and entitlements.

Fair Work Ombudsman compliance partnership with Woolworths a new benchmark in supply chain governance

A new standard in labour supply chain governance has been set with the signing of a Proactive Compliance Deed between Woolworths Ltd and the Fair Work Ombudsman, covering the supermarket giant’s procurement of trolley collection services.

Fair Work Ombudsman discusses new laws with franchising sector

With less than three weeks until new laws making some franchises and holding companies liable for underpayment of workers take effect, the Fair Work Ombudsman has cautioned the industry against being complacent.

Great Ocean Road workers back-paid $64,000

The Fair Work Ombudsman has recovered $64,334 for 36 workers employed at various locations along the Great Ocean Road and Otway region of Victoria.

Goulburn Valley workers back-paid more than $34,000

Twenty three workers in Victoria’s Goulburn Valley region have been back-paid more than $34,000 in wages and entitlements after seeking assistance from the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Young Lake Macquarie labourer back-paid $25,000

The Fair Work Ombudsman has assisted three workers employed by businesses in the Newcastle/Hunter region of NSW to recover $38,000 in unpaid wages and entitlements.

New strategy to raise international students’ awareness of workplace rights

The Fair Work Ombudsman is reaching out to international students to encourage them to seek free help from the agency if they experience any issues while working in Australia.