1st of January marks the enforcement of a strict new law targeting employers who deliberately underpay their staff.
Employers found guilty could face criminal charges, with penalties including up to 10 years in prison and fines amounting to three times the underpaid wages.
Federal Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Murray Watt, highlighted the disparity in previous laws, where employees could face criminal charges for stealing from their employer, but underpaying staff was not considered a crime.
“Our government believed this was unfair, which is why we changed the law about a year ago to ensure a level playing field,” Minister Watt stated in an interview with Heidi Murphy.
This change aims to promote fairness and accountability in the workplace, ensuring workers are properly compensated for their labor.
