Fair Work Ombudsman
At a glance
- $89,000
What happened
The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) has issued 151 infringement notices (fines) to employers since March 2023 for posting job advertisements with illegally low pay rates. One example involved a hospitality business advertising bar staff positions at $7 to $10.50 per hour. Another advertisement offered a casual food and beverage attendant a pay rate of $13.36 per hour. The FWO is contacting major online job websites to ensure they help prevent unlawful ads and allow employers to specify accurate wage rates. An anonymous tip-off led to a fine of $313 for the hospitality business, and another business was fined $1,375.
What was decided
The FWO has taken action against employers advertising illegally low pay rates, issuing 151 fines totaling over $89,000. The FWO is urging job websites to improve their processes to prevent unlawful advertisements. Inspectors have issued infringement notices and provided education to employers. The FWO is enhancing its surveillance capabilities to detect non-compliant job ads. Employers are responsible for ensuring their recruitment staff are aware of legal minimum wage rates.
What it means for employers
Employers must ensure job advertisements accurately reflect legal minimum wage rates as required by the Fair Work Act and relevant industrial instruments. Failing to do so can result in significant fines and reputational damage. Employers using recruitment staff are responsible for their compliance.
What it means for employees
Employees should be aware of their minimum wage entitlements and report any job advertisements offering illegally low pay rates to the Fair Work Ombudsman. The FWO encourages reporting in any language.
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