Fair Work Ombudsman
Citation: FWO-2025-02-18-relationships-australia-qld-eu-media-release
At a glance
- Penalty
- $5,600,000
- Employees affected
- 980
- Awards cited
- MA000123
What happened
Relationships Australia Queensland (RAQ), a not-for-profit organisation providing support services across Queensland, has back-paid over 980 current and former employees more than $5.6 million. The underpayments occurred between December 2014 and April 2023. RAQ initially identified issues during enterprise agreement negotiations and subsequently self-reported to the Fair Work Ombudsman in April 2023. Employees were underpaid base rates, leave payments, shift penalties, overtime, allowances, and additional leave entitlements. The affected employees worked in various roles statewide, including counselling officers, administration staff, and managers.
What was decided
Relationships Australia Queensland has signed an Enforceable Undertaking (EU) with the Fair Work Ombudsman. This follows the discovery of widespread underpayments to 980 employees. The EU requires RAQ to implement stringent measures to ensure correct pay, including independent audits and regular reporting. The total back-payments amount to $5.64 million, including superannuation and interest. The Fair Work Ombudsman considers the EU appropriate due to RAQ’s cooperation and proactive steps to rectify the situation. Employees can check the FWO website to see if they are owed money.
What it means for employers
Employers, particularly those in the social and community services sector, must regularly review their enterprise agreements to ensure compliance with minimum wage requirements and Equal Remuneration Orders. Proactive identification and rectification of underpayments, along with cooperation with the Fair Work Ombudsman, can lead to a more favourable outcome, such as an Enforceable Undertaking.
What it means for employees
Employees should be aware of their entitlements under relevant awards and enterprise agreements. They can check the Fair Work Ombudsman’s website to see if they are owed back-payments. The Enforceable Undertaking provides assurance that RAQ is taking steps to ensure future pay compliance.
Every statement above is drawn from the published decision. Read the original here:
https://www.fairwork.gov.au/newsroom/media-releases/2025-media-releases/february-2025/20250218-relationships-australia-qld-eu-media-releaseWant more cases like this?
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This summary was drafted by AI from the published decision and reviewed before publishing. It is general information, not legal advice. For your specific situation, speak to the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified lawyer. About these summaries & corrections →