Government recovers more money for underpaid workers

21/5/02 A more rigorous inspection system brought in by the Gallop Government has, in its first year, retrieved almost $280,000 more for workers being short-changed by employers than the last Liberal government.

21/5/02
A more rigorous inspection system brought in by the Gallop Government has, in its first year, retrieved almost $280,000 more for workers being short-changed by employers than the last Liberal government.
Employment Protection Minister John Kobelke said a collaborative campaign between Department of Consumer and Employment Protection (DOCEP) inspectors and industry had raised employer awareness of obligations in terms of pay and conditions.
Recent campaigns in the restaurant and hotel industries have improved conditions and ensured recompense for under-payment and compliance with award and legislative requirements.
"In most cases, employers have been very happy to correct any problems when irregularities have been brought to their attention," Mr Kobelke said.
"There are now 20 inspectors from the Labour Relations division of DOCEP checking and helping employers ensure they comply with their obligations.
"Under the last government, there were only 12 inspectors.
"There are now inspectors in regional offices at Karratha, Kalgoorlie, Bunbury, Albany and Geraldton where the previous government had a policy of cutting back country inspectors."
Mr Kobelke said in the 12 months from April 2001 to March this year, inspectors had investigated 1,347 cases, recovered $983,814 for under-paid workers and made 46 prosecutions.
Under the previous government from April 2000 to March 2001 there were 708 cases investigated, $704,157 recovered and 15 prosecutions made.
"The simple mathematics show we are out there ensuring employees are working under the right conditions and being paid properly, that employers are aware of their responsibilities and where there are breaches, prosecutions are launched," the Minister said.
"The runs are on the board and we have recovered $279,658 more than the previous government for employees who were not being paid the correct rate."
Current wage schedules for this and other common awards are available at http://www.doplar.wa.gov.au
Full copies of awards are available on the WA Industrial Relations Commission website at http://www.wairc.wa.gov.au
Further information on the award changes is available from the Labour Relations Wageline service on 1300 655 266.
Minister's office: 9222 9211