A Perth automotive business from the northern suburbs has been fined by the Australian Border Force (ABF) Sponsor Monitoring Unit after underpaying a foreign sponsored worker.
An investigation discovered the worker had been underpaid for close to two years and the business was issued a $6,660 penalty as well as directed to provide back-pay.
In addition to the fine, the ABF Sponsor Monitoring Unit has referred the business to the Fair Work Ombudsman for a complete review of work hours and wages for all employees.
This follows two other cases in Western Australia in November 2022, where a hairdressing business was fined $13,320 and a wheatbelt farming business $6,660, both for underpaying their foreign sponsored workers.
ABF Assistant Commissioner Emma Johnson said the recent infringement should serve as a reminder to all employees who employ sponsored workers that it is their responsibility to ensure they are paying the correct wages and entitlements.
“Treating foreign sponsored workers poorly by denying them the pay and conditions they are entitled to has the potential to undermine a crucial workforce within our economy,” Assistant Commissioner Johnson said.
“The skills and experience of sponsored workers helps to fill the many vacant positions in workplaces around Australia.
“We will continue to monitor businesses that sponsor foreign workers and will act decisively if workers are being underpaid what they are legally entitled to.”
Anyone who is aware of an individual, business or employer who might be facilitating foreign worker exploitation or illegal work is urged to contact Border Watch . Reports can be made anonymously.
