Been Ripped Off? Local Workers Urged to Speak out in the Wage Theft Inquiry

Working Queenslanders living in North Lakes or Deception Bay are being called on to tell their story of their wages “rip off”.

Queensland Parliament recently voted to hold a Parliamentary Inquiry into unpaid wages that will hear testimony from Queenslander workers who have experienced wage theft.

“If it is local workers’ money that is being withheld, I want our local voices to be heard,” said Chris Whiting MP.

“That could be underpayment, unpaid super, unpaid penalty rates, unauthorised deductions from pay, unpaid work trials, the misuse of ABNs and sham contracting to deny workers their proper entitlements”

“The Premier announced on Labour Day that the Government would move a motion in Parliament to establish a Parliamentary Inquiry into unpaid wages – and that’s exactly what we have done,” Mr Whiting said.

The Palaszczuk Government had the support of cross-benchers for the Inquiry to proceed, but the LNP opposed the motion.

Chris Whiting said when workers in Bancroft head off to work each day, they expect to return home safely and they expect to receive a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work.

“But for too many workers, this is not the reality,” Mr Whiting said.

“During a period of historically low wages growth, there is an even bigger problem that some workers are not even getting the pay to which they are entitled”

“We encourage workers and all interested parties to participate in the Parliamentary Inquiry and make submissions for how we can bring an end to this insidious practice.” Mr Whiting said.

The Wage Theft Enquiry will report back to the Queensland Parliament by 16 November 2018.

For more information on how to make a submission to the enquiry contact Chris Whiting on 3448-2100 or bancroft@parliament.qld.gov.au