Worker exploitation investigated in four Lockyer Valley farms

Worker exploitation in Lockyer Valley has been targeted in a multiagency operation including the Fair Work Ombudsman, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland and the Queensland Police.

After a tip-off within the farming industry, a team of 12 Fair Work inspectors, Work Health and Safety inspectors and police conducted unannounced visits to four vegetable farms over a period of two days. This led to the investigation into allegations of underpaying wages; unsafe accommodation and drinking water for workers; unregistered transport; and workers being charged job find fees.

“Over a number of years my agency has undertaken activities aimed at shining a light on the dodgy labour practices and it is pleasing to see the industry take steps to stamp out these insidious practices,” stated Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James. “It is blatantly unfair for workers and it is unfair for responsible operators that are doing the right thing to have to compete with those who base their business models on unlawful activities.”

The farms’ employment records for July and August 2017 are being audited to ensure they comply with the Fair Work Act 2009 and Horticulture Award 2010. The operation has also led to regulators investigating into other contractors’ potentially unlawful actions.

“It sends a strong message to crooked operators that we are on the case and will use our powers to enforce the law and disrupt their unlawful activities,” explained James.

The Lockyer Valley is known as Queensland’s salad bowl due to the fact it is a major horticulture growing area in Australia. However, the Harvest Trail Inquiry was launched in 2013 after finding that many employers and employees did not fully understand their work rights in the horticulture industry.

By educating workers on their rights and cracking down on employers who capitalise on workers’ confusion, the Fair Work Ombudsman hopes to prevent worker exploitation from happening in the future.

“I strongly encourage all workers engaged in the sector to check out the Fair Work Ombudsman’s top tips for backpackers, seasonal workers and growers online,” James said.