Fair Work Infoline: 13 13 94
Media Release
5 Oct 2010
Fair Work inspectors to visit employers in
regional SA
The Fair Work Ombudsman today announced plans to step up scrutiny of employers in
regional South Australia.
The workplace regulator has put businesses in Mount Gambier, Port Lincoln, Whyalla
and Port Pirie on notice they will be subject to random audits.
A team of Fair Work inspectors will this week begin doorknocking up to 80 businesses in
the major shopping strips to ensure they are paying staff correctly.
As well as checking staff pay rates, inspectors will monitor employer record-keeping and
pay-slip practices to ensure they are compliant.
Inspectors will also provide advice to employers about the free tools and resources
Infoline on 13 13 94.
Fair Work Ombudsman Executive Director Michael Campbell says the face-to-face contacts
are part of the Agency’s ongoing education and awareness activity.
“We are very serious about our job of ensuring the regional South Australian community
understands its rights and obligations in the workplace,” he said.
In cases where inspectors find employment records are not up to scratch or indicate
workers are being underpaid, they may launch a wider investigation.
“Where we do identify issues, our first step is to assist employers to comply and seek their
co-operation to voluntarily rectify any problems,” Mr Campbell said.
“If they do not, or if we suspect deliberate underpayments or other serious contraventions,
we may launch a full audit, which could lead to court proceedings.”
Mr Campbell says the campaign also aims to ensure more country employers understand
the role of the Fair Work Ombudsman and how it can assist them.
“Also, sometimes we find workers in regional areas are reluctant to complain about their
terms and conditions of employment for fear they may put their job at risk,” he said.
“Similarly, they worry that if they make a complaint, it could impact on their personal life,
particularly in small communities.
“It is important regional workers along with their city counterparts understand there is an
Agency they can turn to if they have workplace concerns. Complaints can be made
confidentially.”
Media inquiries:
Craig Bildstien, Director of Media 0419 818 484,
craig.bildstien@fwo.gov.au
NEWS 
