Home » Australia Working Holiday Blog » Posts » Business Owner Fined $70,000 For Underpaying Backpackers
Share This Article

Judge Caroline Marie Quinn

When we say know your rights we mean it. A Tasmanian small business owner was fined $70,000 by the Federal Circuit Court for using inaccurate job titles where he then lured backpackers to remote Tasmania. The backpackers were paid as little as $1.35 per hour in some cases. Absolutely Terrible!

One backpacker was paid as little as $270 for four weeks work, that equates to $1.35 with no superannuation! The court found that Harold Jackson created adds promising to sign off on backpackers 2nd year visas, adds were placed on sites such as gumtree and in backpacker hostels.

The court went on to state that backpackers were made to do “hard physical labour” and the working holiday makers were left ” actually and financially stranded”. The judge went on to stay Mr Jacksons action were calculated and callous.Judge Caroline Marie Quinn

You must know your rights when on a working holiday. If ever in doubt as call the fair work ombudsman, ask fellow travellers, email us at info@workingholidayjobs.com.au and try to use common sense. Many job adds can be misleading, we aim to screen all employers on working holiday jobs or work with a trusted recruiter who has done so.

All the best on your backpacker job hunt and remember to know your rights.

,

Dimi /

G'day Guys, My name is Dimi, I'm one of the admins/starters of Workingholidayjobs.com.au . Freddie and I started this community to help working holiday makers and harvest workers find jobs in an easy and transparent manner. We're not just here to help you finding jobs, anything related to your working holiday down under, we will help try find a way to make it easier for you too achieve. Getting your tax done, deals, travel spots... you name it. If you ever have any questions or feedback please don't hesitate to ask. We're always looking for ways to improve the site and help meet our members needs and build a stronger community. Hope you're doing well and best of luck. Cheers Dimi



Leave a Reply