If you pay an annual salary to award-covered staff, the Coles and Woolworths underpayment decision should be on your radar. Paying a generous salary that “washes out” over a year is no longer enough: a set-off must satisfy award entitlements in each pay period — not on average across the year. That point redraws the compliance map for Australian […]
Recent Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) enforcement action highlights a clear and growing risk for employers: underpayments and poor record keeping in Australia remain some of the most common — and costly — compliance failures. Across multiple Federal Court outcomes in December 2025, businesses were penalised for breaches involving wages, payslips, and employment records. These cases
Recent enforcement action by the Fair Work Ombudsman highlights a clear regulatory focus: protecting migrant workers and addressing workplace underpayments. In December 2025 alone, the regulator announced legal action and penalties across several industries — including agriculture, financial services and transport. While the circumstances differ, the underlying message is consistent: employers must ensure migrant workers
Fair Work Crackdown on Migrant Worker Breaches: What Recent Cases Mean for Employers Read More »
Australia’s workplace laws are evolving with the introduction of new underpayments legislation, effective 1 January 2025. These changes represent a critical shift in how wage compliance is regulated and enforced, with severe penalties for employers who fail to comply. This article explores the key legislative changes, common misconceptions, and practical steps businesses can take to
Navigating the New Underpayments Legislation: What Employers Need to Know Read More »