The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) is set to undertake an audit campaign within the Queensland accommodation industry.
The campaign will audit up to 125 hotels, motels and caravan parks over the next three months as part of a new education and compliance campaign.
The primary aim of this campaign is for the FWO to educate employers and employees about their workplace rights and responsibilities and to promote compliance with the workplace laws. This includes the Fair Work Act 2009, Fair Work Regulations 2009, the modern Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2010 and the National Employment Standards.
Fair Work Inspectors from the Queensland offices will select a random sample of employers in the accommodation industry for a compulsory compliance audit. This audit will aim to ensure that employers are meeting their obligations in relation to minimum wages and penalty rates and also to check pay slip and record keeping requirements. FWO inspectors will write to, call or visit businesses selected for an audit and explain their requirements, and the records or documents the business will be required to produce.
“The Association is well-equipped to assist our members in relation to their workplace obligations and responsibilities which is, in fact, one of the most essential services offered by the Association,” said Accommodation Association of Australia CEO, Richard Munro.
Inspectors will audit records of businesses in Brisbane, on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, Airlie Beach, Bundaberg, Cairns, Dalby, Gladstone, Hervey Bay, Mt Isa, Rockhampton, Roma, Stanthorpe, St George, Toowoomba and Townsville.
Businesses that do not comply with any aspect of the Commonwealth workplace laws will, in the first instance, be encouraged to voluntarily rectify the matter. Further compliance action will be taken in the case of wilful contravention of the workplace laws.
“The importance of ensuring correct rates of pay, applicable penalty rates, minimum engagements, record keeping and other obligations under the modern award and workplace laws cannot be stressed enough. I would also encourage anyone who is not a member of our Association to make contact with us to arrange any assistance that is required,” Munro said.
He said the Accommodation Association was currently organising a series of educational forums and webinars for Queensland accommodation operators.
According to Munro, the Association’s upcoming forums and webinars will cover, amongst other things:
-Compliance requirements under the transitional arrangements for minimum wages and penalty rates;
-Compliance objectives of the FWO regional campaign 2012;
-Procedure to be followed if you are selected for the audit; and
-Overview of records and documents to be produced for the audit.