Federal teams to investigate Bundy

THE Federal Workplace Ombudsman will carry out more than two months of investigations into the region's farming and backpacker industry.

THE Federal Workplace Ombudsman will carry out more than two months of investigations into the region's farming and backpacker industry in the hope of stamping out mistreatment of workers.

Investigations will be held from next month and Queensland Workplace Rights Ombudsman Don Brown said wrongdoers should expect to be caught.

“Anyone in the industry who is now doing the wrong thing can expect to be approached by the authorities. During the months of May and June, they will be very proactive,” he said.

Mr Brown yesterday held a meeting with corporate stakeholders identifying Bundaberg as the king of the crop for worker mistreatment in the state.

“Unfortunately the extent of the problem is not limited to this region but Bundaberg is certainly at the head of the list,” Mr Brown said.

“The extent of bullying and poor treatment would curl your hair.”

Mr Brown said the group decided to create a list to distribute to hostels with contact information so backpackers could more easily query their rights and obligations.

“We will meet again in three months to see how this has worked and what else can be done,” Mr Brown said.

Mr Brown's team has been visiting hostels in the region since Monday but said many were not happy to see them.

“A lot felt they should have been included in the meeting but, in reality, this was a meeting of government agencies to speak about how these hostels can be forced to comply with the rules,” he said.

“I believe a number of legitimate hostels are, at times, placing backpackers in other accommodation which doesn't comply with the by-laws of council or fire regulations.”

Originally published as Federal teams to investigate Bundy