Under the Fair Work Act 2009, courts can impose substantial penalties for sham contracting, including fines of up to $19,800 for individuals and as much as $495,000 for larger businesses, or three times the amount underpaid.

The Federal Circuit and Family Court imposed a $30,000 fine on Well Health Medical Services Pty Ltd, which previously ran the Well Health Medical Hub in Merrylands, and a further $6,000 penalty on its sole director, Irfan Khan.

Ombudsman's Anna Booth said, “Migrant workers have the same workplace rights in Australia as any other worker.”

The Bill introduces a new principle into the Fair Work Act, ensuring that employer-funded paid parental leave cannot be cancelled if a child is stillborn or dies, unless otherwise agreed.

Since laws banning dodgy job advertisements came into effect, the workplace regulator has intensified its efforts to stop underpayment before it begins.

The Federal Circuit and Family Court imposed a $35,000 penalty on Sai Enterprises Pty Ltd, which previously ran the outlet, and a $3,500 penalty on the outlet’s former manager, Raman Monga.

Commissioner Crawford ruled the disciplinary process against her was “contrived and flawed” and said Mr Azhari acted inappropriately to achieve his objectives.

Retailers, hair salons, and car washes were among businesses in Hobart, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Cairns that were visited by Fair Work Inspectors, primarily in central business districts.

While her husband retained his full paternity leave, Priya’s mother was forced back to work prematurely.

Four young visa holders from India and Bangladesh, employed as console operators, were paid flat hourly rates between $16 and $23, below the minimum wages, overtime, and penalty rates they were entitled to.