Fair Work Infoline: 13 13 94
Media Release
16 Nov 2009
$700k back-pay for Northern Territory workers
The Fair Work Ombudsman recovered $700,000 for 941 workers in the Northern
Territory who were underpaid last financial year.
The back-payments are among a total of $32.4 million recouped for more than
28,000 workers Australia-wide.
Darwin-based inspectors finalised 379 complaints and recorded 461 breaches of
workplace law in the NT in the 2008-09 financial year.
Fair Work Ombudsman Executive Director Michael Campbell says 99 per cent of
the money recovered for workers last financial year was recouped without
resorting to litigation.
“We have a flexible, fair approach and our preference is always to work with
employers to educate them and help them voluntarily rectify any non-compliance
issues we identify,” he said.
“However, employers must be aware that it is their responsibility to ensure they
pay staff correctly.”
Mr Campbell says the Fair Work Ombudsman can help employers and workers to
understand their rights and obligations under new National Employment
Standards and Modern Awards, which take effect on 1 January, 2010.
“The new workplace law landscape provides a comprehensive safety net of
minimum employment conditions that underpin the whole system,” he said.
“The Fair Work Ombudsman has a range of user-friendly resources that can help
employers and workers comply with workplace laws and operate their workplace
according to best practice.”
Employers or employees seeking advice or assistance should contact the Fair
Work Infoline on 13 13 94 or visit www.fwo.gov.au For translations call 13 14 50.
The Fair Work Ombudsman promotes harmonious, productive and co-operative
workplaces. It also monitors compliance and investigates breaches of national
workplace laws.
Media inquiries:
Craig Bildstien, Director Media & Stakeholder Relations. 0419 818 484.
craig.bildstien@fwo.gov.au
Ryan Pedler, Senior Adviser Media & Stakeholder Relations. (03) 9954
2561, 0434 365 924. ryan.pedler@fwo.gov.au
NEWS 
