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Aged care workers underpaid

Posted on September 23, 2008, 6:06pm

Twenty aged care workers in Mount Gambier and Millicent have been underpaid by more than $6000, according to the Workplace Ombudsman.

Acting Workplace Ombudsman Alfred Bongi made the announcement after inspectors randomly investigated 21 South Australian aged care facilities.

Four of five premises with breaches were identified in Mount Gambier and Millicent as part of a national campaign by the workplace watchdog targeting the human services sector.

Mr Bongi said all breaches had been resolved with voluntary compliance and the 20 South East employees would be reimbursed.

While legal action was not contemplated against offending employers, Mr Bongi warned the industry should be “on notice” that there was no excuse for future breaches.

“We always reserve the right to consider legal action and courts can impose penalties of up to $33,000 per breach,” he said.

At least 179 aged care facilities are currently being audited in New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria and the ACT.

With 148 investigations finalised, 21pc have been found to be in breach of the Workplace Relations Act.

As a result, at least $114,000 will be back-paid to almost 500 employees.

The campaign also targeted 313 childcare centres in Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia.

“Of the 281 inquiries completed so far, 16pc were found to be in breach and more than $41,000 is being recovered for about 130 staff,” Mr Bongi said.

“Human services was selected for the national campaign because the industry employ a significant number of vulnerable workers, including trainees and apprentices.”

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