Surprise Inspections Target Labour-Hire Practices in Gatton
Federal agencies have launched an investigation into labour-hire providers and farmers in the Lockyer Valley, west of Brisbane, over suspected worker exploitation. Seven operations, including farms producing broccoli, onions, and pumpkins, were inspected following community tip-offs about illegal practices.
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO), Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO), and Department of Home Affairs are probing compliance with tax, superannuation, workplace, and immigration laws. Inspectors collected records and interviewed workers, managers, and employers.
ATO Assistant Commissioner Tony Goding condemned shadow economy practices like cash-in-hand payments, underpaid wages, and evasion of employee entitlements, which harm both workers and fair competition. The ATO receives approximately 50,000 tip-offs annually and has pledged increased activity to address non-compliance.
FWO Anna Booth emphasized the agriculture sector as a priority due to disproportionately high rates of violations by labour-hire employers. Workers with pay or entitlement concerns are encouraged to report issues anonymously.
Commander Ben Biddington from Home Affairs reaffirmed Australia’s zero tolerance for visa exploitation, emphasizing the critical role of migrant workers in the economy. Legal action or education initiatives will follow the evidence collected during inspections.
fairwork.gov.au