Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker said the litigation sent a warning to any employer in the agriculture sector who was breaching workplace laws.

Prohibition notices to stop employers from further hiring people on temporary visas where they have exploited migrants

ABF officers identified 11 failures relating to its sponsorship obligations, nine of which included underpayment of sponsored workers. 

The Court also ordered Mehtaab Group to pay the outstanding FWC order for unfair dismissal compensation, plus superannuation, and to calculate and back-pay the annual leave entitlements owing to the worker.

The government will work to create a three-tiered skilled migration system for the country for the first time.

The cleaners were Sri Lankan and Nepalese nationals, aged between 19 and their early 20s at the time. They were in Australia on student visas and post-study work visas.

“Inspectors are out in the field to hold employers to account if they are not meeting their obligations. We will take enforcement action where appropriate."

Migrant workers were involved in 26 per cent of all the FWO’s litigations initiated in 2021-22.

The women have worked with SisterWorks programs to build their confidence, wellbeing and economic independence.

“The penalties in this matter send a clear message that paying low, flat rates that undercut award entitlements is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”