Australia’s largest celery producer, located on the Mornington Peninsula, has been penalized by the Federal Court for failing to pay its migrant workers appropriately. The court’s investigation revealed serious wage violations at the farm, including neglecting to meet minimum wage requirements, casual loading, overtime, and public holiday pay.
From February 2020 to February 2021, A & G Lamattina & Sons was found to have significantly underpaid its workers. One employee was paid for only 10 weeks out of a full year, while another was shorted 30 weeks’ salary. A third worker received payment for just eight out of 41 weeks of work. Overall, more than $90,000 was withheld from three temporary visa holders employed by the farm.
Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth condemned the underpayments as severe, noting the vulnerability of migrant workers who face job loss, visa issues, and adverse impacts on their families. Judge Karl Blake described the farm’s actions as “egregious” and emphasized that the wage underpayments were deliberate. As a result, the company was fined nearly $167,000 and was required to fully rectify the unpaid wages by February 2023.
In response to these issues, the Fair Work Ombudsman is intensifying its focus on the agricultural sector. Starting January 1, 2025, intentional wage underpayment will be classified as a criminal offense, carrying stricter penalties. Booth warned employers to be aware that deliberate attempts to evade wage laws will now face significantly harsher legal consequences, signaling a major shift in the enforcement of workers’ rights.