Legal Action in Far North Queensland

Legal action has commenced against a labour-hire company that operated on farms in Far North Queensland, the Fair Work Ombudsman alleging the labour-hire company NQ Powertrain underpaid Pacific Labour Scheme and Seasonal Worker visa holders almost $50,000.

"It is alleged NQ Powertrain made deductions from each worker’s wages for accommodation at either a boarding house in Mareeba or a farmhouse in Tolga. The Fair Work Ombudsman alleges more than a dozen instances of NQ Powertrain deducting, in total, in excess of $1000 more from a worker’s wages than was required to cover their accommodation costs."

You can read more in the Migration Alliance article linked here.

The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) should be contacted if you have questions about employment conditions, pay rates or entitlements. The FWO can also be contacted if you have concerns about your pay or employment conditions in Australia. The FWO information line is (13 13 94), or call (13 14 50) if you need an interpreter.

But what about me?

Are you here under the PALM Scheme or Seasonal Workers Program and have issues with your pay or work conditions? Here is a three-step plan to help you approach the issue.

Start by discussing the issue with your employer. Internal discussions can be a good way to make try and solve things diplomatically and try to get everyone on the same page. Keep records of all your communications in case you need to escalate the issue.
If that doesn’t work, call the PALM support service line on (1800 51 51 31), or email support@pacificlabourfacility.com.au.
You can also contact your Country Liaison Officers (CLOs), provided your government has appointed one. Not all countries have CLOs, but you can find all current CLO contact details in the table below.

How can we help?

If you have tried steps 1-3 above, contact Kolinio Samuta at our office to discuss how we might be able to assist on (07) 3394 8489 or email kolinio@samutamccomber.com.au.