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.

New Fair Work laws commence today

Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James has welcomed new laws protecting vulnerable workers coming into effect today.

Backpackers snap-up back-pay from far north Queensland croc farm

Two overseas backpackers who were paid low, flat rates while working at a crocodile farm in far north Queensland have been back-paid more than $13,000, following an investigation by the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Better protection for workers as new Fair Work law passes Parliament

The Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James has welcomed the passing of new laws that will significantly enhance its capacity to take action in cases of exploitation of vulnerable workers.

Perth curry house operator faces Court over alleged unlawful cash-back exploitation

A former Perth restaurant operator is facing Court for allegedly requiring a Bangladeshi worker to repay thousands of dollars of his wages - and then dismissing him because he lodged a workers’ compensation claim after injuring his back at work.

Maximum penalty and CDPP referral for labour-hire operator’s “appalling” treatment of visa holder

A Melbourne labour-hire operator who paid an apprentice overseas mechanic nothing for almost three months work has been hit with maximum penalties and referred to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.

Renewed pact reaffirms joint commitment to improving workplace compliance

Joint efforts by the Fair Work Ombudsman and Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) to improve compliance with federal workplace laws relating to apprentices and trainees will continue under a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Dodgy labour practices in Lockyer Valley targeted in multi-agency operation

The Fair Work Ombudsman has joined forces with Queensland Workplace Health and Safety and the Queensland police to lead a multi-agency compliance operation targeting worker exploitation in the Lockyer Valley.