Fair Work Ombudsman
Citation: FWO-2025-10-07-employers-warned-over-dodgy-job-ads-media-release
At a glance
- Penalty
- $185,000
What happened
The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) has issued warnings to employers advertising jobs with illegal pay rates. Since laws were introduced to prevent this, employers have paid over $185,000 in fines. In 2023-24, 156 infringement notices were issued, costing employers almost $74,000. In 2024-25, this increased to 318 infringement notices, totaling $111,306. Examples include a fast food outlet advertising kitchen hands at $17 per hour, a disability support employer advertising at $22 per hour, and a restaurant advertising a kitchen hand role at $12-$24 per hour. The FWO has met with job platforms to improve compliance.
What was decided
The FWO has issued a warning to employers about advertising jobs with unlawful pay rates and is enforcing penalties for non-compliance. Employers found to be advertising illegal rates have been fined and required to remove the offending advertisements. The FWO is working with job platforms to prevent unlawful ads from appearing. The FWO has also highlighted that visa holders have the same workplace rights as other workers and encourages them to report exploitation. Employers can use the FWO's pay calculator and guides to ensure compliance.
What it means for employers
Employers must ensure advertised pay rates comply with relevant industrial instruments, such as awards or enterprise agreements, or the National Minimum Wage. Failure to do so can result in significant fines and reputational damage. Employers should review their job advertising practices and use the FWO's resources to verify pay rates. Job platforms are also expected to increase their efforts to prevent unlawful job ads.
What it means for employees
Employees should be aware of their minimum wage entitlements and report any job advertisements offering rates below the legal minimum. Visa holders have the same workplace rights and protections as Australian workers. The FWO encourages workers to seek assistance if they suspect they are being offered illegal pay rates.
Every statement above is drawn from the published decision. Read the original here:
https://www.fairwork.gov.au/newsroom/media-releases/2025-media-releases/october-2025/20251007-employers-warned-over-dodgy-job-ads-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 →