More than 140 “unscrupulous” employers have been named and shamed by the government after allegedly exploiting migrant workers.
The Australian Border Force (ABF) revealed the shocking figure on Monday following its month-long compliance blitz across the country.
Throughout July, the ABF targeted businesses sponsoring migrant workers who contravened workplace rights, including pay and safety.
ABF Acting Commander Vaughan Baxter said employers found to have breached their sponsorship obligations faced large fines.
Offending businesses could be barred from employing further migrant workers and could be referred to Fair Work or the ATO.
“The practice of underpaying or exploiting migrant workers has no place in Australia,” Commander Baxter said.
“Employers who are taking advantage of their migrant workers should know that it will cost you.
“The underpayment and exploitation of migrant workers is a longstanding problem.
“It can significantly impact workers as well as damage Australia‘s international reputation.”
The highest number of business facing sanctions by the ABF were located in Queensland, with 49 businesses allegedly sprung by officers.
Western Australia followed with a whopping 40 businesses, while the most-populous states of NSW and VIC both had about 20.
South Australia came in last with 16, while the Northern Territory and ACT were not included in the rankings.
The business ranged from the hospitality and cleaning industries, to automotive, construction, and hairdressing sectors.
Commander Baxter said that in addition to sanctioning businesses, the ABF were also working to inform migrant workers of their rights.
“Migrant workers don‘t always have the family and networks here for help and advice when they are being treated unfairly at work,“ he said.
“We strongly encourage the reporting of worker exploitation, which can be made anonymously.
“These reports can be crucial in shining the light on what is an insidious issue.”
Mr Baxter said reports could be made about businesses through the Border Watch website regardless of a person’s visa status.