Backpackers stories spark inquiry

Backpackers told of abusive supervisors, being refused water, being forced to lie on a report after a machinery accident and not receiving their correct pay.

THE Queensland Workplace Rights Ombudsman will launch an official investigation into the treatment of Bundaberg backpackers after seven travellers revealed their story in the NewsMail yesterday.

The backpackers told of abusive supervisors, being refused water, being forced to lie on an incident report after a machinery accident and not receiving their correct pay.

Ombudsman Don Brown said he was furious to hear this behaviour was still an ongoing problem in the region.

“I’m incensed and disappointed that the backpacker hostels, labour hire companies and growers appear to have slipped back into their ways of exploiting holidaymakers,” he said.

“All of this anger I am experiencing will result in my team setting up again in Bundaberg.”

Mr Brown said he would not tolerate anyone found to be doing the wrong thing.

“Our intention is to, without reservation, refer for prosecution anyone found to be unlawfully taking advantage of these people,” he said.

“We will be heavily focusing on the superannuation, safety, wages and treatment that these people receive.”

Mr Brown said he hoped the operation, called Bundaberg Revisited, would start by the end of the month.

“The first exercise will be a meeting with community entities including but not limited to Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers, Australian Workers’ Union and Bundaberg Regional Council,” he said.

“We also want to allow backpackers to come and meet with us privately.

“I am heartily sick of the damage that these operators are doing to the Queensland tourism industry and Bundaberg in particular.”

Mr Brown said he would do whatever it took to stop the behaviour.

“If I have to name and shame them on the national stage then I will,” he said.

“If even half of these allegations are accurate, Bundaberg has regressed to the point of being disgraced.”

Mr Brown said he hoped workers would come forward with any complaints.

“The problem with the industry is by the time we get there, most of these people have gone home,” he said.

If you have any information that could help with the investigations, telephone the ombudsman on 1300 737 841.

Originally published as Backpackers stories spark inquiry