Fines rise after dodgy job ads spruik below-minimum rates
Fines for job ads offering below-minimum wage rates have risen 18% in the past year. Repeat or serious offenders face potential court action from regulators.
Fines for job ads offering unlawful wage rates rose 18% in the last year.
What happens if I advertise below-minimum wages in a job ad?
Affects all trade employers including builders, plumbers and electricians who post job ads. Illegal wage rates in ads can now trigger fines or court action.
Key takeaways
- Fines for advertising below-minimum wage rates have increased 18% in the past year.
- Regulators are targeting employers whose job ads offer unlawful pay rates.
- Repeat or serious offenders could face court action, not just fines.
- All trade employers should review job ads to ensure advertised rates meet minimum wage laws.
Related
Regulators inspect Nambucca Valley region farms
Commonwealth and state regulators ran a coordinated operation across horticulture farms and labour hire businesses in the Nambucca Valley and Coffs Harbour regions of NSW. They checked compliance with workplace, tax, migration and safety laws and looked for phoenixing.
Why it matters: Mainly affects horticulture, not trades directly. Builders, electricians and plumbers using labour hire or subcontractors may see similar multi-agency checks on pay, tax, visa and safety compliance.
AEMC consults on streamlined process for manually read smart meters
The Australian Energy Market Commission has opened consultation on a proposed change to how manually read smart meters are installed in locations without telecommunications coverage. The aim is a more streamlined process.
Why it matters: Electricians and metering providers who install smart meters could see simpler paperwork and process for sites without telecommunications coverage, though details depend on the final rule.
WA passes new payment protection laws for subcontractors
Western Australia's Parliament has passed new payment protection laws for subcontractors. The changes, made through an amendment to the Building and Construction Industry (Security of Payment) legislation, aim to give subcontractors stronger protection against insolvency.
Why it matters: Subcontractors in WA, including plumbers, electricians, carpenters and other trades, get stronger protection if a head contractor becomes insolvent. This could reduce the risk of unpaid work and cash flow problems.