Published Tuesday, 21 July, 2009 at 03:21 PM
Attorney-General and Minister for Industrial Relations
The Honourable Cameron Dick
More than $700,000 in wages recovered for Central Qld workers
Bligh Government industrial inspectors recovered more than $700,000 in unpaid wage and entitlements for Central 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 487 employers were audited in the Central Queensland and Wide Bay region, recovering more than $270,000 in wages for employees. Another $425,000 was recovered for 426 workers after investigations were launched into their wage complaints with local employers.
“Industries audited in the Central Queensland and Wide Bay area included hospitality, fruit and vegetable growing and the beauty therapy industry,” Mr Dick said.
“One series of audits in the region targeted fruit and vegetable growing in areas including Bundaberg, Alloway, Calavos, Elliot Heads, Kinkuna, Sharon, Welcome Creek and Woongarra.
“Inspectors, acting on behalf of 1300 workers in the fruit and vegetable industry carried out 143 audits locally.
“These investigations recovered nearly $152,000 for the workers, with 100 per cent going to casual employees, of whom a third were young 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 487 employers were audited in the Central Queensland and Wide Bay region, recovering more than $270,000 in wages for employees. Another $425,000 was recovered for 426 workers after investigations were launched into their wage complaints with local employers.
“Industries audited in the Central Queensland and Wide Bay area included hospitality, fruit and vegetable growing and the beauty therapy industry,” Mr Dick said.
“One series of audits in the region targeted fruit and vegetable growing in areas including Bundaberg, Alloway, Calavos, Elliot Heads, Kinkuna, Sharon, Welcome Creek and Woongarra.
“Inspectors, acting on behalf of 1300 workers in the fruit and vegetable industry carried out 143 audits locally.
“These investigations recovered nearly $152,000 for the workers, with 100 per cent going to casual employees, of whom a third were young 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