“Any criminal penalties or higher civil penalties for serious and deliberate wage underpayments in the Government’s IR Bill need to be fair on employers and part of a balanced package of reforms,” Innes Willox, Chief Executive of the national employer association Ai Group, said today.
“The Australian Industry Group opposes criminal penalties for wage underpayments but if the Government’s Bill includes such penalties, it is important that the provisions are fair and balanced. The offences should only apply to deliberate, dishonest and serious conduct,” Innes Willox, Chief Executive of the national employer association Ai Group, said.
“In addition, any new criminal or civil penalties for non-compliance need to be accompanied by measures to simplify the workplace relations system, including in respect of awards, enterprise agreements and casual employment. The vast majority of underpayments are the result of the current overly complex IR system. Measured and incremental changes to the IR system are essential to support jobs growth during the recovery from the pandemic,” said Mr Willox.
