Aged care investigations recover $5.3 million for underpaid workers
The Fair Work Ombudsman recovered $5.3 million for nearly 3,600 underpaid aged care workers following investigations into aged care businesses.
$5.3 million recovered for nearly 3,600 underpaid workers in the aged care sector by the Fair Work Ombudsman.
What can Fair Work Ombudsman wage investigations mean for my trade business?
While focused on aged care, this signals active Fair Work enforcement across industries. Tradies employing staff should review their payroll compliance.
Key takeaways
- Fair Work Ombudsman recovered $5.3M for 3,600 underpaid aged care workers after investigations.
- Active FWO enforcement signals all employers, including tradies, should audit their pay practices.
- Underpaying workers can result in significant back-pay liabilities and regulatory scrutiny.
- Business owners with staff should ensure award rates and entitlements are being met correctly.
Related
Disability services provider Sunnyfield signs EU after $5 million underpayment
Disability services provider Sunnyfield has signed an Enforceable Undertaking with the Fair Work Ombudsman. It follows underpayments of about $5.43 million, including super and interest, affecting more than 1,700 workers.
Why it matters: Not directly about the trades, but it shows the Fair Work Ombudsman's approach to wage underpayment. Employers of tradies, including builders and electricians, should check pay rates and super obligations.
Sydney labour hire director penalised for breach
The Fair Work Ombudsman has secured an $8,415 court penalty against the director of a labour hire company. The company supplied workers to two restaurant-and-shisha-lounge outlets in Sydney.
Why it matters: Tradies who use or run labour hire arrangements, such as builders and subcontractors, should note that the FWO is penalising directors personally, not just their companies. Compliance failures can carry personal liability.
Safe Work Australia calls for national action to prevent workplace fatalities and manage emerging workplace risks
Safe Work Australia has published the final report of its Best Practice Review of the model Work Health and Safety laws. It calls for national action to prevent workplace fatalities and manage emerging workplace risks.
Why it matters: All trades, including builders, electricians and plumbers, work under the model WHS laws. Any changes from the review could alter safety duties, compliance paperwork and site practices, though details aren't yet given.