Coffs Harbour and Grafton agricultural operations caught up in Fair Work blitz
Checks on agricultural businesses including blueberry farms in Coffs and Grafton has found a staggering number are doing the wrong thing. See the price they’ll now pay.
Business
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The Coffs Coast’s booming blueberry industry has been caught up in a Fair Work audit exposing dodgy bosses.
A series of farm business inspections in Coffs Harbour and Grafton found more than 60 per cent were doing the wrong thing.
“Record-keeping is the bedrock of compliance. Employers who fail to meet these obligations are more likely to be underpaying, whether intentionally or not,” Fair Work ombudsman Sandra Parker said.
“It is concerning that inspectors have needed to issue close to $80,000 in fines to employers who breached pay slip and records laws.”
The Mid North Coast blitz has seen almost $20,000 in fines issued.
The Coffs Coast blueberry industry has been fast growing as longtime banana country has been repurposed by those chasing better financial returns.
But it’s also been dogged by rumours of underpayment of workers, and concerns about chemical run-off and spray drift.
A spokesperson for the ombudsman confirmed blueberry operations were among those targeted in the audit.
“In December 2021, inspectors conducted site inspections in Coffs Harbour and Grafton. These inspections related to blueberries and other crops,” the spokesperson said.
“Out of 33 businesses (labour hire contractors and growers), 20 (61 per cent) were non-compliant with workplace laws.
“Inspectors issued Infringement Notices (fines) that totalled $19,754.”
The agriculture sector has had to adapt to a new Horticulture Award since April 28, which provides a minimum hourly pay rate floor for workers on a piece rate (productivity) agreement.
Since the regulator began its agriculture strategy in December last year, it has investigated 237 businesses in hot spots across Australia where intelligence suggests noncompliance may be present.
“We were pleased to see that some farmers have used technology to make it easier to pay their workers correctly under the award changes. We commend those who do the right thing,” Ms Parker said.
“Fair Work inspectors will continue their site inspections in various hot spots throughout 2023.”
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