Editor's Blog

With an estimated 10,000 overseas 457 visa-holders, the health care and social assistance industry is among the larger sectors employing foreigners in Australia. This has drawn the attention of the Fair Work Ombudsman who recently announced that its inspectors are set to knock on the doors of many of its employers.

Fair Work inspectors will check up to 600 employers over the coming months to ensure their businesses are paying the correct minimum hourly rates, penalty rates, allowances and loadings and providing appropriate meal breaks. Compliance with record-keeping and pay-slip obligations will also be monitored.

Over the past four-and-a-half years, the Agency reported that it has recovered more than $7 million for 5300 underpaid employees from this industry. On average, more than 3000 people a month call the Fair Work Ombudsman Infoline from the health care and social assistance sector.

Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James says the new campaign will focus on allied health, medical services and residential care and has been developed following intelligence and advice from key stakeholders.

They are covered by the Health Professionals and Support Services Award, the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award, the aged Care Award and the Clerks - Private Sector Award.

Workers under these awards include dental assistants and receptionists, medical receptionists, disability support workers, personal care attendants, nursing assistants, kitchen staff and cleaners.

Ms James says one of the campaign's aims is to ensure employers are aware of their responsibilities and how the Fair Work Ombudsman can assist them to access, understand and apply information to build a culture of compliance. No doubt, there will be warning, fines and back pay demands and court action, if required.