Opening Statement – Inquiry into the Fair Work Amendment (Protecting Vulnerable Workers) Bill 2017

Today, Fair Work Ombudsman, Natalie James, gave evidence before the Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee Inquiry into the Fair Work Amendment (Protecting Vulnerable Workers) Bill 2017.

Shipping company in court for allegedly underpaying seafarers by $255,000

The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against a Norwegian shipping company, alleging it underpaid dozens of foreign crew more than $255,000 while they were working in Australian waters.

MUA and individual crew members face legal action

The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced litigation against the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) and nine shipping crew over alleged unlawful industrial action that prevented a ship from leaving a port in south-west Victoria for almost two months.

Fair Work Ombudsman report reveals widespread worker exploitation at United Petroleum outlets

A Fair Work Ombudsman Activity Report has identified instances of non-compliance at United Petroleum retail fuel sites with more than 40 per cent of audited outlets found to be underpaying employees.

East Coast retail outlets and beauty salons to be audited as part of new campaign

Hair and beauty salons and retail outlets are the focus of a new Fair Work Ombudsman compliance campaign that will target businesses along the east coast of Australia.

Laser engineering company’s bill nearly doubles after failure to pay unfair dismissal compo

A Melbourne engineering company and one of its directors have been penalised more than $25,000 after the business ignored a Fair Work Commission (FWC) order to compensate a worker it unfairly dismissed.

Campaign highlights underpayment of apprentices

A Fair Work Ombudsman report has revealed that one in three Australian businesses audited as part of the agency’s National Apprenticeship Campaign failed to pay their apprentices correct wages.

Wollongong targeted for unannounced audits

The Fair Work Ombudsman has conducted a series of unannounced audits in Wollongong in response to concerns young workers in the town are being exploited.

Workplace audits indicate room for improvement for small businesses in Top End

Spot checks of 16 take-away and informal dining outlets in the suburbs of Darwin have found that more than 60 per cent were not compliant with workplace laws.

Queensland labour-hire operator slammed for “appalling and egregious treatment” of visa-holders

A Queensland labour-hire company and its director have been penalised $227,300 for deliberately exploiting vulnerable foreign workers after luring them to Australia with a string of false promises.