Across Australia, the $13.5 million program, run by the Department of Home Affairs, has uncovered millions in unpaid wages, threats of visa cancellation, and cases of modern slavery.

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.

Another individual, known to Queensland Police for using violence and coercion to force migrant workers into illegal work was also removed from Australia.

Most of the 40 inspected businesses, employing migrant workers, were in the fast food, restaurant and café sector, with others in hair and beauty, manufacturing, recreation, and health.

The report commended Canberra’s “serious and sustained efforts,” highlighting that in 2024 authorities initiated 200 investigations, prosecuted 66 alleged traffickers, and secured 60 convictions – a dramatic increase from the previous year.

More than 50 surprise inspections have uncovered suspected migrant worker exploitation at over 30 workplaces, Superintendent Jason Boyd revealed.

In June 2019, there were 5,886 PALM visa holders in Australia. Five years later, in May 2024, there were 32,513, an increase of 450%.

Importantly, there is no application charge and visa holders will have the right to work in Australia while they pursue any claims.

“Since the 7-Eleven scandal a decade ago, we’ve known that the threat of visa cancellation keeps migrant workers locked into unsafe, underpaid work."

Under the Protecting Vulnerable Workers laws, the maximum penalties for serious contraventions are 10-times the penalties which would ordinarily apply.