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Wineries face severe new penalties for employing workers without a valid visa

New federal laws cracking down on employers using illegal workers have taken effect from August 19

It is now a criminal offence to knowingly or recklessly employ a person who is either illegally in Australia or is working in breach of their visa conditions.

Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Kevin Andrews, said the new laws applied to employers, labour hire companies, employment agencies and other people who allowed illegal workers to work or refer illegal workers for work.

People convicted face fines of up to $13 200 and two years' imprisonment, while companies face fines of up to $66 000 per illegal worker with penalties even higher in cases of exploitation, such as slavery, forced labour or sexual servitude.

‘The Coalition Government is committed to helping Australian employers find eligible and legal workers from overseas. However, this commitment comes with an obligation to enforce our laws where we detect abuse of immigration arrangements,’ Mr Andrews said.

The safest way to avoid committing an offence is to check that all prospective employees are entitled to work in Australia.

(excerpt from a press release from the Office of the Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews 20 August 2007)

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