A Dutch backpacker has claimed he was paid as little as $5 an hour to search through ponds and lakes to retrieve golf balls.
According to an interview with the Age newspaper, Janeck Jansen says he spent as much as five hours per day retrieving golf balls on the Gold Coast.
The Numbers
Mr Jansen said he collected up to 2000 golf balls each day.At most, the backpackers were paid $12 an hour. They were paid cash-in-hand ( no tax paid and therefore no tax refund) ..Mr Jansen is now claiming more than $6500 in unpaid wages and entitlements in the appropriate court.
The Situation
Mr Jansen said reported his cash-in-hand wages started dropping in early 2014, before they were radomly fired without any notice.
The Verdict
The judge presiding over the case is expected to deliver his findings in the case next month. Mr Jansen and his partner have since found work in the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
Moving Forward
Their is a senate inquiry into temporary work visas, which the findings are due for release next month.
This inquiry has investigated issues including mistreatment of workers on temporary work visas, monitoring and enforcement of visa programs and their impact on employment opportunities for Australians.
How to Protect Yourself
If you feel as if your employer has taken advantage or you are unsure about your working situation get in contact with Fair Work Australia . If you believe you have been scammed please share your story with our community.
The peice was originally featured in the age.
