Australian Border Force (ABF) officers from the Department of Home Affairs led a multi-agency immigration compliance operation in regional Queensland last week, ready to take action against employers exploiting migrant workers and employing illegal workers.
What they found, however, were businesses doing the right thing, with operators saying it's simply not worth the risk.
It's clear they have heard the message that Australia will not tolerate exploitation of its visa system or vulnerable migrant workers.
The operation involved unannounced visits to around 20 farms and businesses and interviews with more than 300 workers in the Granite Belt and Stanthorpe region across southern Queensland.
Onsite activity began at dawn with visits to fruit and vegetable farms as well as processing factories and workers' accommodation. ABF teams also met workers, labour hire organisers, and farm operators to conduct status checks and provide assistance.
As part of a joint effort, ABF officers worked alongside partner agencies the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, WorkCover QLD, QLD Labour Hire Licencing Compliance Unit and QLD Police.
Following the success of a similar operation 12 months ago, all agencies found most businesses and workers aware of their responsibilities and obligations, and doing the right thing.
ABF Commander Ben Biddington said the Stanthorpe operation was a success because it shows efforts to work closely with rural industries and businesses are achieving results.
“The message is consistently clear: don't exploit vulnerable workers or abuse our visa regime — the consequences aren't worth it, and that message is being heard," he said.
“This operation shows the majority of employers and businesses visited in the Stanthorpe region are following the rules and abiding by their obligations. Legitimate migrant workers play a key part in Australia's economy, particularly in remote and regional communities, like the Granite Belt — and should be protected."
Farm operators said it was simply not worth employing illegal workers, especially with the strict new compliance approach and breaches attracting potentially heavy penalties.
Third generation farmer and owner of Nicoletti Orchards, Daniel Nicoletti, said most operators in the region want to employ people who have the right to work in Australia.
“It's not worth the risk or the hassle to break the rules. It's like speeding, you do the wrong thing, and you will get caught and get a fine," he said.
“We have lots of options to employ genuine workers, whether it's the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, contractors or backpackers – there's enough legitimate workers around. We also invest a lot of time training our workers, so we want to know they're going to stay around."
Multi-agency initiatives such as this help businesses comply with their obligations when engaging foreign workers. They also help protect migrant workers' employment entitlements, and support those who are vulnerable or need help.
It was also an opportunity to remind employers that visa holders and foreign workers have the same workplace entitlements and protections as other employees in Australia — regardless of their migration status.
Employers engaging foreign workers must comply with both Australian workplace and immigration laws.
Those that do the wrong thing face heavy penalties for employing and referring illegal workers, or exploiting migrant workers. Potential penalties include infringements, civil prosecution or being publicly declared a 'prohibited employer'.
It has never been easier for employers to do the right thing. Businesses can check the work rights of prospective employees through Home Affairs' Visa Entitlement Verification Online system to ensure they do not unintentionally allow illegal work.
Anyone with information relating to potential immigration offences or suspicious activity are encouraged make a report online at Border Watch. Reports can be made anonymously.
Media contact:
media@homeaffairs.gov.au
(02) 6264 2244
