Don’t be afraid of new wage theft laws

Business owners who choose to deliberately underpay workers will face criminal charges from the first of January 2025. The new criminal measures are the latest to take effect, after the Federal Government’s “Closing the Loopholes” legislation passed at the end of 2023. But businesses shouldn’t be afraid, according to Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth. In this episode, the Ombudsman reassures business owners that it must be proven that the underpayment was deliberate. Anna also says that compliance can be straightforward, by following a voluntary code designed to protect those who make honest mistakes. Some of the other resources being made available include an advisory service, self-audit tools, and webinars to help businesses stay on track, avoid penalties, and foster better workplace practices.