Submissions now open for wage theft inquiry

Deception Bay and North Lakes workers who have been victims of wage theft now have the chance to share their experiences with the Queensland parliamentary committee inquiry into wage theft.

The Parliamentary Committee has now invited submissions addressing any aspect of the terms of reference for the inquiry.

Chris Whiting MP, State Member for Bancroft said the inquiry had been set up to hear evidence on the extent and impact of wage theft of workers and their families, why it is happening and what can be done about it.

“When workers head off to work each day, they expect to return home safety and they expect to receive a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work.

“For too many workers, this is not the reality though.

“Barely a day goes by without a story of a worker being ripped off. We have all seen the high profile reported cases of 7 Eleven, Dominos, Pizza Hut and Caltex just to name a few.

“But this is only the tip of the iceberg – it’s fast becoming a national disgrace,” Mr Whiting said.

Chris Whiting said the inquiry wanted to shine a light on what is happening, why it is happening and what needs to be done whether at a state level or at a federal level where much of the responsibility lies.

“The Palaszczuk Government is concerned about Queensland workers – regardless of which jurisdiction they fall into.
“Given the Turnbull Government has refused to take action, Queensland will do all it can at a state level.

“I encourage local workers and all interested parties to participate in the Parliamentary Inquiry and make submissions for how we can stop this insidious practice.

“Members of the public also have the option of participating in an online survey (due 30 September 2018) – a good option for those workers who want to tell their wage theft story but do not feel comfortable making a formal, written submission.

“Of course, the Inquiry also wants to hear from the many law-abiding businesses who do the right thing by their workers, but find themselves undercut by those employers who are not playing by the rules,” he/she said.

Affected workers and other interested parties are encouraged to visit the inquiry website for more information:
https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-committees/committees/EESBC/inquiries/current-inquiries/Wagetheft

Closing date for written submissions is 4pm on 30 July 2018 and the Committee is due to report by 16 November 2018.