THE HON STEPHEN JONES MP

ASSISTANT TREASURER

MINISTER FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES

MEMBER FOR WHITLAM

MEDIA RELEASE

The Albanese Government’s new laws to crack down on wage theft have been enacted.

It means that an employer who deliberately underpays their worker can be charged with a criminal offence. The typical victim is a young worker, but the Illawarra has seen numerous examples of unscrupulous employers who deliberately and persistently underpay their staff. In the worst cases, employees have been sacked or threatened if they complain.

These new laws are good for workers. They are good for the overwhelming majority of businesses who do the right thing but have to compete against the bad eggs who exploit their workers.

The new laws also contain:

• Additional protections against using labour hire to undercut awards and agreements.
• A new focus on deadly silica dust as a workplace hazard.
• Protections for workers’ redundancy pay in insolvency.
• Protections against discrimination for experiencing family and domestic violence.
• Rights for first responders suffering from PTSD.

Quotes attributable to Member for Whitlam, Stephen Jones:

“We’re making wage theft a crime and ensuring there are more rights for workers. That means closing the loopholes that undercut pay and conditions. It’s part of our plan to address the cost-of-living challenges locals are facing and boost wages.”