The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) has issued a strong warning to employers after collecting more than $185,000 in fines from businesses advertising jobs at illegal pay rates.
Since laws banning dodgy job advertisements came into effect, the workplace regulator has intensified its efforts to stop underpayment before it begins.
In 2024–25 alone, the FWO issued 318 infringement notices worth $111,306 to employers posting ads below lawful pay rates — more than double the 156 fines issued the previous year, which totalled almost $74,000.
Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth said the regulator’s early intervention approach is helping ensure workers are paid fairly from day one. “Stamping out job ads that offer dodgy pay rates prevents workers from being underpaid from the get-go and ensures a fair playing field for businesses that are doing the right thing,” Booth said in a statement.
“Employers have the clear obligation to advertise only lawful pay rates, and those doing the wrong thing are being hit with fines.”
She added that the FWO has also met with major job platforms, urging them to strengthen safeguards against unlawful job postings.
Among the offenders were a fast food outlet advertising kitchen hand roles for $17 per hour — about $15 below the minimum rate — and a disability support employer offering $22 per hour, nearly $10 under the legal wage. Other examples included a restaurant advertising for kitchen hands at $12–$24 an hour, up to $12.10 below the award rate.
The FWO said these interventions likely prevented the underpayment of vulnerable workers, particularly in high-risk sectors such as fast food, restaurants, cafés, and disability support services.
Visa holders, Booth reminded, have the same workplace rights as any other employee and are protected if they report exploitation.
“We want employers to get their pay rates right from the start, and we have all the information they need to do so.”
The Ombudsman continues to monitor job platforms and employers closely to ensure fair pay and compliance with Australian workplace laws.
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