Published Tuesday, 21 July, 2009 at 03:16 PM
Attorney-General and Minister for Industrial Relations
The Honourable Cameron Dick
$860,000 in wages recovered for SW Qld workers
Bligh Government industrial inspectors recovered nearly $860,000 in unpaid wage and entitlements for South-West Queensland workers in the last financial year, Industrial Relations Minister Cameron Dick said today.
Mr Dick said the recovered wages highlight the Bligh Government’s ongoing commitment to protecting workers rights.
“As we continue to strive for a fair and just Queensland, workers rights remain one of our key priorities,” Mr Dick said.
“Particularly in these tough economic times, it is vitally important that workers receive the correct pay they are entitled to from their employers.
“That’s why this government continues to ensure there are appropriate safeguards and checks in place, to make sure correct wages and entitlements are delivered into the pay packets of Queensland employees.
“Our industrial relations inspectors, in the Office of Fair and Safe Work Queensland, work tirelessly to investigate employee complaints about incorrect and outstanding pay.
“Audits are conducted across Queensland all year round, to ensure workers are not being ripped off.
“We are committed to ensuring workers receive a fair days pay for a fair days work,” he said.
Mr Dick said 517 employers were audited in the South-West Queensland region, recovering nearly $309,000 in wages for employees. Another $480,000 was recovered for 375 workers after investigations were launched into their wage complaints with local employers.
“Twenty-five cases were prosecuted through the courts, recovering another $71,000 for employees,” said Mr Dick.
“Industries audited included retail, fruit and vegetable growing, beauty therapy industry and baking.
“One series of 139 audits in the region targeted the fruit and vegetable growing industry around the Granite Belt, on behalf of more than 700 workers, recovering $104,000 in wage arrears.
“Another series of 144 audits in centres, including Stanthorpe, Toowoomba, Dalby, Injune, Kalbar, Roma and St George, recovered $31,000 for workers in the retail industry. The vast majority of money being recovered was for casual workers,” he said.
Mr Dick said both education and enforcement measures are important to ensure appropriate rates of pay are paid to Queensland workers and that workplaces were safe.
"Most employers are doing the right thing by their employees, and those who fail to meet their obligations often do so accidentally and are happy to make amends when notified,” he said.
“But there are some who try to rip off their workers, and in those cases the State does not hesitate to take action.
“By taking action against employers who do the wrong thing by their workers, we are ensuring there is a level and fair playing field for everyone.”
For more information about awards and pay entitlements visit www.wageline.qld.gov.au or call 1300 369 945.
Media contact: 3239 3487
Mr Dick said the recovered wages highlight the Bligh Government’s ongoing commitment to protecting workers rights.
“As we continue to strive for a fair and just Queensland, workers rights remain one of our key priorities,” Mr Dick said.
“Particularly in these tough economic times, it is vitally important that workers receive the correct pay they are entitled to from their employers.
“That’s why this government continues to ensure there are appropriate safeguards and checks in place, to make sure correct wages and entitlements are delivered into the pay packets of Queensland employees.
“Our industrial relations inspectors, in the Office of Fair and Safe Work Queensland, work tirelessly to investigate employee complaints about incorrect and outstanding pay.
“Audits are conducted across Queensland all year round, to ensure workers are not being ripped off.
“We are committed to ensuring workers receive a fair days pay for a fair days work,” he said.
Mr Dick said 517 employers were audited in the South-West Queensland region, recovering nearly $309,000 in wages for employees. Another $480,000 was recovered for 375 workers after investigations were launched into their wage complaints with local employers.
“Twenty-five cases were prosecuted through the courts, recovering another $71,000 for employees,” said Mr Dick.
“Industries audited included retail, fruit and vegetable growing, beauty therapy industry and baking.
“One series of 139 audits in the region targeted the fruit and vegetable growing industry around the Granite Belt, on behalf of more than 700 workers, recovering $104,000 in wage arrears.
“Another series of 144 audits in centres, including Stanthorpe, Toowoomba, Dalby, Injune, Kalbar, Roma and St George, recovered $31,000 for workers in the retail industry. The vast majority of money being recovered was for casual workers,” he said.
Mr Dick said both education and enforcement measures are important to ensure appropriate rates of pay are paid to Queensland workers and that workplaces were safe.
"Most employers are doing the right thing by their employees, and those who fail to meet their obligations often do so accidentally and are happy to make amends when notified,” he said.
“But there are some who try to rip off their workers, and in those cases the State does not hesitate to take action.
“By taking action against employers who do the wrong thing by their workers, we are ensuring there is a level and fair playing field for everyone.”
For more information about awards and pay entitlements visit www.wageline.qld.gov.au or call 1300 369 945.
Media contact: 3239 3487