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.
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.
