Media archives

The media releases in this section showcase the work of the former Workplace Ombudsman (WO) and the Office of Workplace Services (OWS). The work relates to Commonwealth workplace laws that applied before 1 July 2009. We have archived them for historical purposes.

Select the article heading to open the article in a new page.

 

Archives 2009
Archives 2008
Archives 2007
Archives 2006

 

2009

October

Date

Heading

30/10/2009

$25,000 back-pay for Riverland workers

29/10/2009

Workplace Rights Week a highlight for national pay protector

28/10/2009

$320,000 back-pay for Central NSW workers

27/10/2009

Union prosecuted over alleged unlawful industrial action

27/10/2009

Sydney CBD and Eastern suburbs workers back-paid $370,000 after watchdog intervenes

27/10/2009

Watchdog recoups $375,000 for workers in Northern and North-Western Sydney

27/10/2009

Workers in Western Sydney underpaid $380,000

27/10/2009

Back-pay for workers in Sydney’s Southern and South-Western suburbs

26/10/2009

Company penalised $8500 for underpaying Toowoomba worker

26/10/2009

$837,000 back-pay for Canberra workers after watchdog intervenes

25/10/2009

Court fines “thoughtless, selfish, greed-driven” businessman who underpaid staff but gambled and lost millions

23/10/2009

$6000 fine for underpaying bingo caller

22/10/2009

$113,000 back-pay for 32 Casino workers

21/10/2009

$14,000 back-pay for two Mount Gambier workers after watchdog intervenes

20/10/2009

Launceston 8 share $60,000 in back-pay

17/10/2009

Union organised unlawful industrial action by Qantas baggage handlers, watchdog alleges

16/10/2009

Kangaroo Island hospitality worker gets $6000 back-pay after watchdog inquiry

15/10/2009

Butcher fined $62,000 for underpaying teenage apprentice

14/10/2009

Ballarat employer fined more than $105,000 for underpaying apprentice

13/10/2009

$22,500 fine for underpayment of South-West truck drivers

12/10/2009

Central Coast workers back-paid $256,000

12/10/2009

Great Lakes/Taree workers back-paid $102,000

12/10/2009

Watchdog recovers $60k for Cessnock workers

12/10/2009

Watchdog recovers $34,000 for Gloucester/Port Macquarie workers

12/10/2009

Watchdog recoups $58,000 for underpaid Muswellbrook/Upper Hunter workers

12/10/2009

Singleton workers back-paid $21,000

12/10/2009

Newcastle inspectors recover almost $1 million for underpaid workers

11/10/2009

Four months work, but Adelaide company refuses to pay up, alleges watchdog

09/10/2009

Deniliquin shop worker underpaid $30,000, alleges watchdog

08/10/2009

Retail and hospitality focus in Tasmania

07/10/2009

Mindil Market target for national pay protector

06/10/2009

800 staff at Sydney nightspots underpaid $334,000, watchdog alleges

05/10/2009

More Adelaide cleaners to get back-pay

02/10/2009

Watchdog targets Bunbury-Australind-Eaton

01/10/2009

Victorian 7-Eleven stores to be audited in new campaign

 

September

Date

Heading

30/09/2009

Six Bendigo workers underpaid $120,000

28/09/2009

Pay protector helps underpaid young journalist secure $10,000 back-pay

28/09/2009

$15,500 in fines for delayed severance pay

25/09/2009

Thumbs up for Fair Work advice

24/09/2009

Melbourne workers victimised for complaining about underpayments, watchdog alleges

23/09/2009

Watchdog targets Royal Melbourne Show

21/09/2009

Watchdog probes maternity discrimination

18/09/2009

FWO appoints new legal panels

17/09/2009

Watchdog prosecutes Chili’s restaurants for allegedly underpaying teenage workers

16/09/2009

Former Coffs Harbour motel manager fined over underpayment of cleaners

15/09/2009

South Yarra restaurant faces court over alleged record-keeping failures

14/09/2009

Applecross cafe reimburses chef and waitress after watchdog identifies underpayments

11/09/2009

Pay protector targets Albury-Wodonga employers for random audits

10/09/2009

Darwin fast-food outlet underpaid young worker almost $25,000, watchdog alleges

08/09/2009

Melbourne patient transport business fined $55,000 for breaching workers’ rights

07/09/2009

We’ll go the extra mile to help build fair work, watchdog tells employers

06/09/2009

$35,000 penalty for underpayment of Ballarat security guard

04/09/2009

Watchdog targets Royal Adelaide Show

03/09/2009

WANTED - workers to claim $1.1m back-pay

02/09/2009

Two-thirds of WA wine businesses pass random wine industry audits

01/09/2009

Mt Gambier fitness club allegedly underpaid workers almost $40,000

 

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August

Date Heading
31/08/2009

Best practice guides an aid to improved workplace relations

28/08/2009

New national campaign to assist horticulture industry

27/08/2009

Fair Work Ombudsman recovers $406,000 for underpaid Sunshine Coast workers

26/08/2009

Former Melbourne internet café operators face court over $33k alleged underpayment

26/08/2009

Mildura security company fined $21,000 for pressuring workers to sign AWA

25/08/2009

Random audits find 68 per cent pass rate for Bendigo Market Place employers

25/08/2009

Watchdog helps underpaid workers in Melbourne’s east and south-east

24/08/2009

St Kilda retailer short-changed workers more than $40,000, watchdog alleges

19/08/2009

Ballarat employer underpaid apprentice $15,000, watchdog claims in court

19/08/2009

Correction regarding proceedings against Efes bakery

19/08/2009

$8000 redundancy pay recovered for underpaid worker at Melbourne law firm

18/08/2009

Businessman picked wrong number for bingo caller’s pay packet, watchdog alleges

17/08/2009

Roma company faces court for allegedly underpaying 17 workers almost $70,000

14/08/2009

Company and director face court over alleged $25,000 underpayment of two Sydney workers

13/08/2009

Truck driver allegedly underpaid $32,000

12/08/2009

Darwin hairdresser faces court over alleged underpayment of apprentice

11/08/2009

Court action over alleged underpayment of Toowoomba worker

10/08/2009

South-West company faces court over alleged underpayments of almost $50,000

07/08/2009

Country hotel worker back-paid $10k

07/08/2009

Canberra restaurant fined for underpaying Sri Lankan chef

07/08/2009

Watchdog secures $11,000 back-pay for young Canberra worker

06/08/2009

NSW cleaning contractor fined $80,000 fine for threatening staff over workplace agreements

06/08/2009

$24,000 in fines for failing to pay workers any money for two months work

06/08/2009

$42k back-pay for Canberra worker who lost job after 10 years

04/08/2009

Chinese workers short-changed $20k, watchdog claims in court

02/08/2009

BP Australia subsidiary to face court over alleged breaches of workplace agreement processes

02/08/2009

Construction company paid Chinese workers less than $3 an hour, watchdog tells Court

 

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July

Date Heading
31/07/2009

$43,425 in fines for underpayment of Perth restaurant workers

30/07/2009

Directors face court over underpayments to security workers

30/07/2009

Security companies throughout Australia will be randomly audited to ensure workers are being paid properly.

29/07/2009

Watchdog helps recover $24,000 back-pay for Toorak kitchen-hand

28/07/2009

City buildings targeted as watchdog investigates cleaners’ pay rates

27/07/2009

Watchdog helps to educate international students on workplace rights

25/07/2009

Watchdog’s random audits recoup $112,000 for city convenience store workers

24/07/2009

Watchdog secures almost $12,000 back-pay for three Gold Coast workers

24/07/2009

Random audits find 70 per cent pass rate for Mornington Peninsula employers

23/07/2009

Perth baker faces court over alleged underpayment of delivery driver

22/07/2009

Sydney real estate company accused of sham contracting, underpaying salesperson

21/07/2009

Watchdog recovers $7000 for Gladstone worker

20/07/2009

Watchdog warns employers to check redundancy payments

20/07/2009

Fair Work Ombudsman recovers $470,000 for 700 food services workers

19/07/2009

Record $200,000 fine for Melbourne car wash for short-changing staff

17/07/2009

Watchdog recovers $28,000 for labourers

16/07/2009

Wimmera employer to face court for allegedly underpaying staff

15/07/2009

Sydney businessman accused of underpaying Chinese workers

14/07/2009

Gold Coast company faces court over alleged underpayments of $10,000

13/07/2009

Clothing retailer reimburses teenage workers $10,000 after watchdog finds shortfall in pay

12/07/2009

Melbourne fashion outlet allegedly underpaid workers almost $7000

10/07/2009

Newcastle bakery failed to keep employment records, watchdog claims

09/07/2009

$60,000 penalty for employer who pressured teenage workers

09/07/2009

Fair Work Ombudsman recoups $8000 back-pay for Goldfields couple

08/07/2009

City convenience stores back-pay workers $50,000 after watchdog investigation

07/07/2009

80 per cent pass workplace watchdog’s Gippsland hair and beauty checks

06/07/2009

Restaurant worker’s query triggers back-payments to 129 co-workers

02/07/2009

Helping hand for Small Business

01/07/2009

New era in workplace relations

 

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June

Date Heading
29/06/2009 Full Court of the Federal Court sets aside dismissal of Tristar case
24/06/2009 Senior appointments to Fair Work
22/06/2009 A Gold Coast company has been fined $20,000 for underpaying a casual truck driver almost $10,000, following a prosecution by the Federal Workplace Ombudsman.
19/06/2009 Watchdog resolves truck driver’s underpayment case.
18/06/2009 Brisbane directors fined $6600 each after Workplace Ombudsman prosecution.
12/06/2009 Security workers short-changed $156k
10/06/2009 Recycling company underpaid workers almost $300,000, watchdog alleges.
7/06/2009 Watchdog warns employers against exploiting young workers.
5/06/2009 Butcher to face court for allegedly underpaying apprentice.
3/06/2009 Watchdog targets NSW snowfields for new campaign.
3/06/2009 Company fined for underpaying restaurant chef $47,000.
3/06/2009 Federal Workplace Ombudsman’s Toowoomba office recovers $750,000 for underpaid workers.
3/06/2009 Federal Workplace Ombudsman recovers $54,000 for underpaid workers at Warwick and Stanthorpe.
3/06/2009 Federal Workplace Ombudsman recovers $43,000 for underpaid Dalby/Chinchilla/Miles workers.
3/06/2009 Federal Workplace Ombudsman recovers $122,000 for underpaid Roma and S-W Queensland workers.
3/06/2009 Federal Workplace Ombudsman recovers $125,000 for underpaid Lockyer Valley workers.

 

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May

Date

Heading
27/05/2009 Sydney cleaners face scrutiny
26/05/2009 Gold Coast mortgage broker owes workers $12,000, watchdog claims.
22/05/2009 Queensland security companies face sham contracting investigation.
20/05/2009 $10,000 back-pay for SA cleaner.
18/05/2009 Perth finance business failed to provide pay records, watchdog claims.
14/05/2009 Court fines restaurant owner for underpaying staff.
14/05/2009 Bunbury inspectors recover $260,000 for underpaid workers.
14/05/2009 Workplace watchdog recovers $42,000 for Mandurah workers.
14/05/2009 Workplace watchdog recovers $29,000 for Busselton workers.
14/05/2009 Workplace watchdog recovers $21,000 for Albany workers.
14/05/2009 Workplace watchdog recovers $12,000 for Margaret River workers.
10/05/2009 Hairdressers and beauty salons face national probe.
8/05/2009 Watchdog recoups $6000 for deceased worker’s estate after complex investigation.
6/05/2009 $4000 back-pay for SA stockman.
5/05/2009 Tasmanian company faces court over $176,000 shortfall in staff wages.
1/05/2009 Watchdog to revisit Queensland clubs after 1000 workers underpaid.

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April 

Date Heading

30/04/2009

Workplace regulator helps migrants achieve fair deal.
29/04/2009 More than quarter of a million dollars recovered for child-care workers.
28/04/2009 Brisbane retailer back-pays $25,000.
27/04/2009 Sports store back-pays $60,000 after watchdog finds sales assistants were underpaid.
21/04/2009 Truck driver owed 10 years’ holiday pay, watchdog claims.
20/04/2009 Petrol station operator fined $241,000 for short-changing staff.
17/04/2009 Snowfields campaign recovers $22,000 for 39 casual workers.
16/04/2009 Brisbane businessman fined $8000 over underpayment of security officer.
15/04/2009 Hunter Valley employers in spotlight.
14/04/2009 Bundaberg faces ongoing scrutiny.
14/04/2009 April 20-24 is Workplace Rights Week.
9/04/2009 Workplace watchdog targets Kimberley businesses for audits.
7/04/2009 30 per cent of construction companies fail random audits.
7/04/2009 Cairns insurance firm to front court over alleged $90,000 underpayment.
5/04/2009 Teenage fast-food workers back-paid $50k after watchdog intervenes.
2/04/2009 Company director to face court over claims of duress against teenage workers.
1/04/2009 Melbourne bakery fined $16,500 for underpaying delivery drivers.

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 March

Date Heading
31/03/2009 Watchdog recovers record $717,000 for hospitality workers.
29/03/2009 Concerns for take-away food workers.
26/03/2009 Gold Coast transport company faces court for allegedly underpaying driver.
24/03/2009 20 per cent of businesses at three big shopping centres breach workplace laws.
23/03/2009 $42,900 fine for company and director who underpaid three staff.
22/03/2009 Back-pay for country workers.
20/03/2009 Nursing home to pay back $92,000 to 32 of its aged care workers.
19/03/2009 Wagga retail business underpays workers almost $90,000.
17/03/2009 Workplace "cowboy" fined $80,000 for treating workers with contempt.
16/03/2009 Watchdog targets Bendigo retailers for random audits.
15/03/2009 Migrant workers pressured to sign AWAs, watchdog claims.
12/03/2009 Townsville inspectors recover $282,000 for underpaid workers.
11/03/2009 Fitzroy café faces court over underpayments to kitchen hands.
9/03/2009 Frankston cleaning company fined $6600 for underpaying workers.
8/03/2009 Companies face court for allegedly underpaying security guard $27k.
6/03/2009 Watchdog targets employers on Great Ocean Road for random audits.
5/03/2009 Hanssen appeal upheld, fine reduced to $85,750.
5/03/2009

Albury café to face court for allegedly underpaying young workers.

 

4/03/2009

Canberra tavern underpays workers $14,000.

 

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February

Date Heading

27/02/2009

Victory for two Newcastle chefs over $15,000 underpayment.
26/02/2009 Four young Devonport apprentices back-paid $16,000.
25/02/2009 Workplace inspectors target Sydney’s Flemington Markets for random audits.
24/02/2009 Melbourne engineering firm fined $50,000 for underpaying workers.
18/02/2009 Workplace inspectors target Sydney Fish Markets for random audits.
16/02/2009 Workplace Ombudsman to help out during university O-Week.
10/02/2009 Date with court for builder who underpaid ‘apprentice’ $300 a week.
9/02/2009 Restaurant pair face court for underpaying kitchen hand $47,000.
6/02/2009 $50,000 penalty for pressuring airport workers to sign AWAs.
6/02/2009 $439k returned to NT workers short-changed by bosses.
6/02/2009 Federal and State workplace inspectors join forces for Wollongong campaign.
5/02/2009 Kalgoorlie inspectors recover $600,000 for workers in 2008.
4/02/2009 $288,000 penalty for failing to pay two cleaners $3842.60.
2/02/2009 NSW manufacturer fined $22,900 for failing to pay redundancies.
1/02/2009 Low-paid trolley collectors underpaid and exploited, pay protector claims.

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 January

Date Heading
30/01/2009 Watchdog launches first prosecution over sham contracting.
30/01/2009 Security guards felt pressure to sign AWAs, says workplace watchdog.
28/01/2009 Mount Gambier inspectors recover $600,000 for underpaid workers.
22/01/2009 Petrol retailer faces court for allegedly short-changing workers $500,000.
22/01/2009 Adelaide company has to back-pay workers $90,000.
19/01/2009 Pay protector finds 15 to 24-year-old workers vulnerable to exploitation.
18/01/2009 Company director to face court over underpaid security officer.
18/01/2009 11 lose jobs, but watchdog recovers $65,000 in redundancy payments.
16/01/2009 East Gippsland employers underpay workers $40,000.
16/01/2009 Warragul workers back-paid $70,000.
16/01/2016 Butchers, bakers latest target of workplace watchdog in SA.
15/01/2009 La Trobe Valley/Traralgon workers back-paid $125,000.
15/01/2009 Sale workers back-paid $38,000.
15/01/2009 South Gippsland workers back-paid $39,000.
14/01/2009 Real estate salesman paid just $6.58 an hour, watchdog finds.
12/01/2009 Rags dealer faces court for underpaying sorters and packers.
11/01/2009 Pole dancer back-paid after workplace watchdog intrvenes.
9/01/2009 Colac workers back-paid $25,000.
9/01/2009 Portland workers back-paid $10,000.
9/01/2009 Hamilton workers back-paid $15,000.
9/01/2009 Legal bid to recover $21,000 owed to security staff.
8/01/2009 Too “scared” to complain, but now it’s back-pay for 26 casual cleaners.
6/01/2009 Warrnambool bosses who short-changed workers have to back pay $200,000.
5/01/2009 Workers reimbursed after being underpaid for five years

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2008

December

Date Heading
23/12/2008 Workplace Ombudsman to meet workers, employers at Mount Gambier
22/12/2008 $40,000 penalty for restaurant which underpaid staff
19/12/2008 Pay protector’s night inspections reveal Sydney pubs underpaying bar staff
18/12/2008 Brisbane cleaners face random audits
16/12/2008 Hotelier penalized over “strike at the heart” of workplace law
14/12/2008 One-third of road transport companies fail workplace audits
8/12/2008 Restaurant faces court action over claims it underpaid 60 staff
5/12/2008 Watchdog recovers $36.6 million for 28,000 workers
2/12/2008 Zinifex fined $15,000 over duress
1/12/2008 “Pass” for most northern WA employers

 

November

Date Heading
28/11/2008 Court rules on wages withheld during industrial action
26/11/2008 Gold Coast workers get back-pay
24/11/2008 Got a summer job? Don’t get ripped off, watchdog warns students!
23/11/2008 Watchdog recovers $65,000 for fruit and vegetable packer who “feared for safety” after complaining about pay 
21/11/2008 Taste of Tasmania participants forewarned about wages
20/11/2008 Helping hand for teen sisters pays off
19/11/2008 Workplace watchdog stands guard over vulnerable trolley collectors
18/11/2008 Bendigo workers back-paid $100k
18/11/2008 Shepparton workers back-paid $75k
18/11/2008 $40,000 back-pay for some Albury-Wodonga workers
18/11/2008 Swan Hill workers back-paid $29k
18/11/2008 Echuca workers back-paid $11,000
18/11/2008 Horsham workers get back-pay
17/11/2008 Federal workplace inspectors move on Sydney construction sites
13/11/2008 Watchdog eyes Xmas pay packets
9/11/2008 Pay protector targets wine industry ahead of harvest.
7/11/2008 Workplace Ombudsman inspectors head for NSW Murray River towns.
6/11/2008 Underpaid for seven years, finally it’s now pay-back time.
4/11/2008 “Careless” employer fined for sacking worker who queried her pay.

 

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October

Date Heading
31/10/2008 Hair salon fined for refusing to provide worker’s job records
31/10/2008 Federal workplace watchdog takes court action against two Queensland companies.
28/10/2008 Donut King outlet fined over breaches.
27/10/2008 Regulator stands up in court for workers’ rights.
24/10/2008 Junior car washers were never paid, so watchdog seeks court action
22/10/2008 Sydney convenience stores face probe by national pay protector
21/10/2008 Limestone Coast businesses face random check of the books
20/10/2008 Hairdressers and beauty salons earmarked for scrutiny
20/10/2008 Random audits today for retail outlets at Chadstone shopping
16/10/2008 Company refuses to back-pay worker $10,000, so court orders director to foot the bill
15/10/2008 Employer who refused to back-pay teen workers fined $45,000.
13/10/2008 Just $9650 for 18 months restaurant work, so the boss faces court.
13/10/2008 Roofing company fined over failure to produce employment records
12/10/2008 Security firms back-pay 280 staff $156,000 after random audits.
10/10/2008 First visits to Broken Hill
8/10/2008 Watchdog asks remote Top End employers to open their books.
7/10/2008 737 Queensland club workers get $106,000 back-pay
3/10/2008 Watchdog targets Kalgoorlie region

 

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September

Date Heading
26/09/2008 Pubs in spotlight as campaign targets hospitality sector
23/09/2008 600 human services workers share $155,000 back-pay
18/09/2008 Former Gold Coast company fined over predatory conduct
18/09/2008 Company fined $40,000 for underpaying Chinese employees
17/09/2008 Federal Minimum Wage increase takes effect from 1 October
15/09/2008 Random audits for hundreds of small retail outlets
11/09/2008 Know your workplace rights, overseas students urged
4/09/2008 McDermott inquiries complete
4/09/2008 Workplace Ombudsman will appeal Tristar decision
2/09/2008 Riverina field audits return $18,000 to workers in back-pay

 

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August 

Date Heading
31/08/2008 Restaurants, cafes reimburse 270 staff after random audits find underpayments of $97,000. 
29/08/2008 Petrol station faces court action
29/08/2008 In-house lawyers can now prosecute cases of underpayment
26/08/2008 Hairdresser faces court for refusing to provide employment records
26/08/2008 Roofing company faces court for refusing to provide employment records
22/08/2008 Help for Territorians
21/08/2008 Workplace Ombudsman in Darwin
21/08/2008 Employers with apprentices target of joint Tasmanian campaign
18/08/2008 Video store staff back-paid after Workplace Ombudsman investigates work for free rentals.
15/08/2008 Filipino nursing assistants treated shabbily, says workplace watchdog
14/08/2008 Court decision on Tristar
13/08/2008 Courier fined $30,000 over worker underpayments
12/08/2008 Bundaberg focus of audits
8/08/2008 No bully-boy tactics at the negotiating table, warns watchdog
6/08/2008 Hoteliers fined for underpaying 31 staff
6/08/2008 Farmers face greater scrutiny
5/08/2008 $120,000 fine for employer who ‘bullied, intimidated, threatened, exploited and underpaid’ vulnerable trolley collectors
4/08/2008 Hobart hotel faces court action
1/08/2008 Hotel fined for underpaying staff

 

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July

Date Heading
31/07/2008 Back-pay for 27 staff at Cairns tavern
29/07/2008 Fish and chip shop fined
25/07/2008 173 staff to get back-pay.
23/07/2008 Roadside assistance company fined over staff underpayments.
18/07/2008 Telstra investigation complete
16/07/2008 105 flower workers reimbursed.
15/07/2008 Penalty for spa resort.
14/07/2008 Workplace Ombudsman to visit NT.
9/07/2008 Work for no pay policy costs sports company $52,000.
7/07/2008 Truckies get $34,500 back-pay.
4/07/2008 Statement on Liquid Engineering.

 

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June

Date Heading
30/06/2008 Carpenter nailed for underpaying apprentices
26/06/2008 Strike-breaker “blacklist” probe.
25/06/2008 Random checks on book-keeping
25/06/2008 $70,000 returned to 460 fruit pickers
24/06/2008 Report card for Sydney education providers.
23/06/2008 Road transport industries in spotlight
18/06/2008 You can’t pay wages with DVDs
18/06/2008 Court penalty for Holy Grail
16/06/2008 Hair-raising result for WA workers
13/06/2008 $120,000 Fine For Chocolate Company
13/06/2008 Gippsland business owner fined $16,500
12/06/2008 Workplace Ombudsman submission to IRC
10/06/2008 Warrnambool workers short-changed $84,000
6/06/2008 Don’t Leave Workers Out in the Cold, Workplace Ombudsman Warns Snowfields Employers.
2/06/2008 Furniture Production Company Fined $25,500 for Underpaying Worker

 

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May

Date Heading
29/05/2008 More than $200,000 Recovered for Workers in Western Australia’s Broome Region
27/05/2008 Making Workplace Law Easier to Understand for All Australians: Workplace Ombudsman
23/05/2008 Workplace Ombudsman Urges Students to Report Underpaying Bosses
21/05/2008 Workplace Ombudsman to Prosecute Unrepentant Employer
20/05/2008 WA Chemical Company to Face Court over Underpayment Allegations
15/05/2008 Workplace Ombudsman Welcomes Dismissal of Appeal in Case against Tasmanian Tavern
15/05/2008 More than 2000 Queensland Workers Receive Entitlements in Audit Campaigns: Workplace Ombudsman
12/05/2008 Workplace Ombudsman Turns His Attention to Regional NSW
9/05/2008 Trolley Collecting Company Ordered to Pay Up after Underpaying Vulnerable Workers
9/05/2008 Victorian Businesses Docked More than a Half A Million Dollars in Penalties
6/05/2008 Workplace Ombudsman Makes Good Progress on North Queensland Compliance Campaigns
1/05/2008 Victorian Business Director Made to Face the Facts: Workplace Ombudsman

 

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April 

Date Heading
29/04/2008 Workplace Ombudsman Releases Findings on Lighting Raid of Victorian Berry Farm
28/04/2008 Employers Told to Respect Newly Declared Full Day Holiday for Warrnambool Cup Day
24/04/2008 Workplace Ombudsman’s Targeted Campaigns
24/04/2008 Workplace Ombudsman Launches Prosecution of Gold Coast Recruitment Company
23/04/2008 Workplace Ombudsman Wins Case Against Two Perth Based Companies Found Guilty of AWA Duress
22/04/2008 NSW Bricklaying Contractor Fined $18,000 for Underpaying Young Apprentice
22/04/2008 Workplace Ombudsman Secures Second Penalty against Chili’s Restaurant
18/04/2008 Western Australian Chook Shop to Face Prosecution for Underpaying Young Casual Workers
17/04/008 Workplace Ombudsman Completes Investigation of Bendigo’s Golden Dragon Museum
16/04/2008 Workplace Ombudsman Uncovers Significant Level of Non Compliance in National Trolley Collecting Industry
15/04/2008 Workplace Ombudsman Releases Results of South Australian Motor Vehicle Industry Compliance Audits
14/04/2008 Workplace Ombudsman to Investigate Chubb Security Personnel Pty Ltd
14/04/2008 Massive Penalty Awarded in Workplace Ombudsman Case against Tasmanian Hotel Owner
8/04/2008 Workplace Ombudsman Secures Penalty Against Tasmanian Security Company
4/04/2008 Don’t Get Ripped Off: Workplace Ombudsman Warning to Students
3/04/2008 Workplace Ombudsman Launches Prosecution of NSW Manufacturer to Recover Massive Underpayments

 

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March

Date Heading
31/03/2008 Voicemail Message Proves Costly for Multi-National Employer
28/03/2008 Workplace Ombudsman Completes Investigation Into Alleged AWA Breaches At Wollongong University
26/03/2008 $9,000 Penalty is No Holiday For NSW Marketing Company
25/03/2008 $30,000 Penalty for Melbourne Retailer Who Underpaid Casual Shop Assistants
20/03/2008 Workplace Ombudsman Completes Qantas Valet AWA Investigation
19/03/2008 South Australian Berry Farm Ordered to Pay Up after Underpaying Casual Workers
18/03/2008 Workplace Ombudsman to Focus on NSW Adult Learning Education Industry
17/03/2008 NSW Restaurant to Pay More than $18,000 for Exploiting Overseas Worker
14/03/2008 Melbourne Actor Knows Where He Stands With the Workplace Ombudsman
14/03/2008 Workplace Ombudsman Recovers More than $176,000 in West Australian Fast Food and Juice Bar Industry
12/03/2008 Record Penalty Awarded as West Australian Company Found Guilty of 21 Workplace Breaches
11/03/2008 Commonwealth Workplace Ombudsman Delivers Big Win for Workers in Warrnambool
7/03/2008 $9,000 Penalty is No Holiday For NSW Marketing Company
4/03/2008 Pay Uni and TAFE Students Correct Wages and Entitlements: Workplace Ombudsman

 

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February

Date Heading
18/02/2008 NT Compliance Campaign Delivers Fairness And $8K Back Pay For Young Workers In Alice Springs
16/02/2008 Immediate Inquiry Into Qantas Valet Parking AWA Offer
14/02/2008 SA Berry Farm In a Jam Over $20,000 Underpayments Of Workers
13/02/2008 Alleged Underpayment Of More Than $350,000 Of Vulnerable Workers Leads to Prosecution Of Sydney Labour Hire Company
7/02/2008 Young Workers, Apprentices and Trainees Must Be Treated Fairly - Tassie Hair and Beauty Salon Fined $28K For Underpaying A 19 Year Beautician
7/02/2008 Festivale Stall Holders Reminded To Treat Young Workers Fairly
4/02/2008 Tassie Taste Put To The Test – Compliance Audit To Ensure Fairness And Compliance With Workplace Law
3/02/2008 Call To Telstra Workers - Come Forward With Information on AWA Investigation
1/02/2008 Protecting Nannies in Remote Queensland Childs Play.

 

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January

Date Heading
31/01/2008 Workplace Ombudsman to Look Into Commander Sackings
31/01/2008 New probe of the University of Wollongong's offerings of AWAs
26/01/2008 Australia Day Holiday Protected Under Federal Workplace Law
26/01/2008 Understand Your Rights At Work – A New Online Guide For Young Workers
23/01/2008 Probe of alleged underpayment of foreign worker on the North West Shelf by McDermott Industries (Aust) Pty Ltd
22/01/2008 Probe of multinational’s alleged contravention of worker’s rights on the North West Shelf
21/01/2008 Investigation Update – Alleged Exploitation of Indian Farm Workers in the Riverina
21/01/2008 Falanga Enterprises Pty Ltd In Court Today
14/01/2008 New Warning to Agribusiness Employers To Comply With Workplace Laws
13/01/2008 Investigation into Exploitation of Indian Farmer Workers in the Riverina
9/01/2008 University of Wollongong Investigated For Alleged Workplace Breaches
7/01/2008 Investigation of Smithton Meatworkers Dismissal
5/01/2008 Telstra Investigation Update
5/01/2008 Investigation Into Exploitation of 40 Chinese Construction Workers
2/01/2008 Workplace Ombudsman To Build on 2007 Achievements To Promote and Enforce Fair Queensland Workplaces
1/01/2008 2008 New Year’s Resolution for South Australian Employers and Workers – Know Your Workplace Rights
1/01/2008 2008 New Year's Resolution for Australian Employers and Workers - Know your workplace Rights
1/01/2008 Know Your Workplace Rights – 2008 New Year’s Resolution for Tasmanian Employers and Workers!
1/01/2008 Know Your Workplace Rights – 2008 New Year’s Resolution for WA Employers and Workers!
1/01/2008 2008 New Year’s Resolution for Queenslanders – Know Your Workplace Rights
1/01/2008 Know Your Workplace Rights – 2008 New Year’s Resolution for Territory Employers and Workers!

 

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2007

December

Date Heading
21/12/2007 Melbourne Company Directors Pay The Price For Ignoring Workplace Law.
20/12/2007 Penalty Awarded For Underpaying Young Apprentice.
20/12/2007 Zinifex Australia Ltd Prosecuted for Alleged Duress in Connection With An AWA
20/12/2007 Workplace Ombudsman Praises Results of Tasmanian Division.
19/12/2007 Warning to Employersat the Hobart Summer Festival & Taste of Tasmania to Pay Young Workers Correctly.
19/12/2007 Workplace Ombudsman Investigates Tasmanian Meatworks Dismissal of Workers.
18/12/2007 Federal Workplace Ombudsman Announces Major Compliance Campaign In Queensland.
18/12/2007 Warning to Farmers as Fruit Picking Season Gets Underway
18/12/2007 West Australian Chemical Company Prosecuted By Federal Workplace Ombudsman
17/12/2007 Federal Workplace Ombudsman To Prosecute Gippsland Telecommunications Company
4/12/2007 Statement on Investigation Concerning Post Logistics in Melbourne.
3/12/2007 Inquiry into alleged exploitation of backpackers in Qld’s Lockyer Valley
3/12/2007 Warning to Employers on AWA’s – Duress to Sign Them Will Not Be Tolerated

 

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November

Date Heading
29/11/2007 Bunbury Hotel Prosecuted by Workplace Ombudsman
29/11/2007 Update On Ballarat Restaurant Investigation
29/11/2007 Workplace Ombudsman Investigation Puts Bendigo Petrol Station Under The Pump
29/11/2007 Over $11K already recovered for workers in Warrnambool fast food audits
29/11/2007 Bendigo Workers Claims of Duress Investigated by Federal Workplace Ombudsman
29/11/2007 More than $16K penalty for NSW childcare provider that underpaid then sacked worker via SMS
27/11/2007 No Sweetness alleged in 100th Prosecution
26/11/2007 Shepparton Automotive Business Pays Big Price For Underpaying Young Worker.
15/11/2007 Tristar Belated Payment Of Its Worker’s Entitlements Does Not Mean The Company Avoids Prosecution
5/11/2007 Successful outcome of prosecution of Qld Quarry

 

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October

Date Heading
29/10/2007 Second Criminal Conviction Cements the Powers of Independent Federal Workplace Watchdog
19/10/2007 Workplace Ombudsman Investigates Treatment of Workers at Grafton McDonalds
15/10/2007 Melbourne Companies Fined In Court
9/10/2007 Workplace Watchdog Protects Young Workers
8/10/2007 Federal Workplace watchdog Pursues Chilis with second prosecution
8/10/2007

Workplace Ombudsman Secures Win For Morwell Employees

5/10/2007

Australia’s Workplace Ombudsman to prosecute sports retail giant

5/10/2007 Workplace watchdog launches probe into underpayment of Perth trolley collector workers
3/10/2007 Australia’s Workplace Ombudsman Commends Hobart Myer After Serious Fire
1/10/2007 Workplace Ombudsman and Sharan Burrow Unite On Young Workers' Rights

 

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September

Date Heading
28/09/2007 Australia’s Workplace Ombudsman Investigates Ballarat Restaurant
27/09/2007 Australia’s Workplace Ombudsman Defends Vulnerable Trolley Collector Workers in Albury Today
27/09/2007 Statement regarding Federal Workplace Ombudsman's investigation of Chilli's chain of restaurants
25/09/2007 Federal Workplace Watchdog Continues Crackdown on Rogue Trolley Collector Employers
24/09/2007 Workplace Ombudsman Prosecutes Actor from Government Know Where You Stand WorkChoices Campaign
17/09/2007 Workplace Ombudsman Remains Vigilant On Behalf Of Belvedere Park Workers
14/09/2007 Immediate Investigation Into Alleged Workplace Law Breaches at Belvedere Nursing Home
11/09/2007 Victory for Workers in Workplace Ombudsman’s Legal Coup
6/09/2007 Information For Workers & Employers - ‘APEC Day’ Public Holiday In Sydney Only On Friday 7 September 2007
5/09/2007 Workplace Watchdog Prosecutes Qld Parcel Contractor
4/09/2007 The Prosecution of Tristar Continues Unabated

 

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August

Date Heading
27/08/2007 Workplace Ombudsman Concludes WorkDirections Australia Audit
25/08/2007 Decisive Action To Protect Workers’ Rights by Australia’s Workplace Watchdog
23/08/2007 Workplace Ombudsman In Perth Today As The Workplace Watchdog’s Prosecution Of Major Transport Operator National Jet Systems Resumes
21/08/2007 AWA Duress Will Not Be Tolerated – Workplace Watchdog Prosecutes Serco Sedexho
17/08/2007 Win For Watchdog & Lesson for Employers - Prosecution of Company Referred by the Prime Minister
15/08/2007 Workplace Watchdog’s Major Court Win Defending Rights of Women Workers
14/08/2007 Federal Workplace Watchdog Welcomes Cooperation with SA Government on Trolley Collector Crackdown
10/08/2007 Outstanding Benefits for Territorians From a Federal Workplace Watchdog – Australia’s Workplace Ombudsman
9/08/2007 Workplace Watchdog Launches First Ever NT Prosecution
7/08/2007 Investigation Update - Workplace Watchdog’s Immediate Progress in the Investigation of Damien Richardson’s Alleged Non payment/underpayment of Young Workers.
7/08/2007 Workplace Ombudsman Investigates Allegations of Unpaid Worker By A Melbourne Painter
7/08/2007 Workplace Watchdog Still Determined In Albury/Wodonga Trolley Collector Investigation
3/08/2007 Workplace Watchdog Crackdown Defends ‘Most Vulnerable of the Vulnerable’
3/08/2007 Workplace Watchdog Prosecutes Chilli Texas Grill - But Investigation Continues

 

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July

Date Heading
31/07/2007 Workplace Watchdog Targets 10,000 Fast Food & Juice Bars Nationwide to Ensure They Meet Worker Entitlements
30/07/2007 Workplace Watchdog Looks Into Darwin Petrol Station
26/07/2007 Workplace Ombudsman Steadfast In Tristar Fight
26/07/2007 Franchisors Such as Bakers Delight Must Help Their Members Meet Worker’s Rights
19/07/2007 Workplace Watchdog Makes Immediate Progress In It’s Investigation of Kareela Bakers Delight for Alleged Mistreatment of Its Young Workers
18/07/2007 Morwell Manchester Shop Investigated By Workplace Watchdog
13/07/2007 Workplace Ombudsman Investigates Aubergine Restaurant in Goulburn
13/07/2007 Pacific Point Pty Ltd Lets Down Vulnerable Young Workers
12/07/2007 Workplace Watchdog’s Warns Small Business in Canberra Video Ezy Case – Meet Your Obligations or We Will Prosecute
10/07/2007 New Workplace Watchdog Prosecutes Qld Quarry Owner Over Massive Alleged Underpayment to Worker
1/07/2007 More Protection For Australian Workers From New Workplace Watchdog From 1 July 2007

 

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June

Date Heading
29/06/2007 Workplace Watchdog Investigates dismissal of Pele Curtains’ employees
29/06/2007 Workplace Watchdog probe into Pacific Point Pty Ltd hairdressing salons
28/06/2007 Watchdog recovers Newmarket panel beater’s unpaid entitlements
28/06/2007 Workplace Watchdog Alleges Darrell Lea Is Not So Sweet To Employees
26/06/2007 INVESTIGATION UPDATE - WorkDirections Australia
21/06/2007 Tristar Workers Protected Despite AIRC Decision
19/06/2007 OWS expands case against National Jets Systems to 33 pilots
18/06/2007 BHP Billiton investigation progressing with no breach so far
14/06/2007 Win for young brickie and lesson for employer
13/06/2007 OWS win drives case for Tristar workers step further
13/06/2007 OWS Widens Investigation into underpayment of Trolley Collectors
5/06/2007 Underpaying workers again in focus with two OWS legal actions

 

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May

Date Heading
31/05/2007 Hearing date set in case against National Jet Systems
30/05/2007 STATEMENT: WorkDirections Australia Investigation
30/05/2007 OWS reports to Senate Committee on major first year achievements
27/05/2007 OWS launches duress case against major transport operator
25/05/2007 OWS court action to protect young worker & deter ‘sham contracts’
21/05/2007 Security provider Quick Step met with underpayment penalties
4/05/2007 Watchdog warns employers
3/05/2007 OWS says latest penalty a warning to take care of younger staff
3/05/2007 Voluntary compliance by employer gets a good reception for Lidiva

 

April

Date Heading
26/04/2007 Young Workers Have Rights
23/04/2007 ANZAC Day and public holidays protected by law
20/04/2007 OWS wins landmark $88K penalty

 

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2006

December

Date Heading
20/12/2006 Young People in the Workplace Campaign Launched by OWS
14/12/200 OWS Gets ‘first-time’ Penalties Awarded under WorkChoices
4/12/2006 Compliance Campaigns Lead to OWS Litigations

 

November

Date Heading
29/11/2006 National Hospitality Industry Campaign Launched by OWS
22/11/2006 Duress Not On Says OWS: Tassie Inn Taken to Court
17/11/2006 Court & Penalties the Only Option
16/11/2006 OWS Refers Legal Matters for Criminal Prosecution
2/11/2006 OWS Reports to Senate Committee on First Six Months
1/11/2006 OWS Initiates Legal Proceedings: Holy Grail not so holy

 

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October

Date Heading
31/10/2006 Whopping $650K recovered
30/10/2006 $93K Recovered
26/10/2006 Australian Fair Pay Commission hands down pay decision
20/10/2006 Workplace compliance campaign targets Accommodation Industry
18/10/2006 OWS initiates legal proceedings against Tasmanian hotel group
16/10/2006 Employees Win … Company Ordered to Pay through OWS Action
13/10/2006 Federal Court considers OWS injunction application against Merringtons Optometrists
10/10/2006 OWS initiates court action against three Victorian employers
10/10/2006 OWS seeks Federal Court injunction against Merringtons Optometrists
9/10/2006 OWS initiates legal proceedings against two WA companies
3/10/2006 Local businesses given more time to meet record keeping requirements

 

September

Date Heading
29/09/2006 OWS launches litigation proceedings against SA cleaning company

 

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July

Date Heading
26/07/2006 Statement from Mr Nicholas Wilson, Director of the Office of Workplace Services
24/07/2006 Clothing Trades Industry targeted by the Office of Workplace Services
7/07/2006 Summary of the investigation into alleged breaches of the Workplace Relations Act 1996 at Cowra Abattoir
7/07/2006 OWS completes Cowra investigation

 

June

Date Heading
26/06/2006 OWS makes protecting workplace rights easier
19/06/2006 Correction of record - Esselte factory reports
6/06/2006 Workers should advise OWS direct of alleged workplace breaches

 

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May

Date Heading
31/05/2006 Cowra Abattoir Investigation
29/05/2006 OWS prosecutes Zeffirelli Restaurant
22/05/2006 OWS commences POW Juice prosecution
17/05/2006 OWS warns employers over foreign workers
11/05/2006 OWS offers assistance to Queensland employees
9/05/2006 OWS warns Canberra restaurants

 

April

Date Heading
28/04/2006 Litigation continuing against Pangaea Bar and Restaurant
23/04/2006 Anzac Day and public holidays protected by law
20/04/2006 OWS Monitoring Cleaner Underpayment Claims
10/04/2006 Easter and Anzac Day public holidays protected
5/04/2006 Pangaea Statement

 

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For further information contact:

    Craig Bildstien
    Director, Media and Stakeholder Relations
    Email: craig.bildstien@fwo.gov.au
    Mobile: 0419 818 484

    Ryan Pedler
    Senior Adviser, Media and Stakeholder Relations
    Email: ryan.pedler@fwo.gov.au
    Mobile: 0434 365 924