The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced a northern Victoria educational and compliance campaign in the motel industry, targeting employers who engage workers in the national workplace relations system — the Motels on the Murray River Towns Campaign.

The Fair Work Ombudsman is an independent agency responsible for protecting and enforcing the rights of workers and employers under Commonwealth workplace laws. 

The Motels on the Murray River Campaign will audit compliance with provisions of the Fair Work Act 2009, the Fair Work Regulations 2009 and other relevant industrial instruments, paying particular attention to the employment conditions of vulnerable workers.

During March 2010, the Fair Work Ombudsman will distribute information to employers in the targeted area to raise awareness about their rights and obligations under Commonwealth workplace laws. The Fair Work Ombudsman assists employers and employees to understand their rights and obligations with a range of factsheets and tools available on their website www.fairwork.gov.au. 

Following the educational phase, a number of employers will be targeted for a compliance audit, which will be conducted from April 2010 to August 2010.

Specifically, Fair Work Inspectors will audit compliance with employer obligations in relation to employee records and the issuing of pay slips. They may also audit any of the following:

• rates of pay (including casual rates and minimum rates)
• penalty loadings (weekend, late nights)
• allowances
• meal breaks
• approval and lodgement of workplace agreements.

During the audit, Fair Work Inspectors will work with employers to ensure any identified issues are resolved voluntarily. Where voluntary compliance is not achieved, or if serious or wilful contraventions of Commonwealth workplace laws are identified, further enforcement actions will be undertaken to ensure the requirements of the law are met. Where appropriate, such actions may include commencing litigation in which Fair Work Inspectors can seek maximum penalties of $33,000 per contravention.

Employers seeking information about workplace relations can visit www.vecci.org.au for support, advice, training and briefings.

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