Posted on January 09, 2026 by The HR Bridge Team
On December 17, 2025, the Fair Work Ombudsman announced legal action against Bulmer Farms Pty Ltd, a Victorian vegetable producer, for allegedly underpaying 28 migrant workers from Kiribati, Timor Leste, and the Solomon Islands more than $645,000 between 2019 and 2023.
The workers, employed under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, were paid flat weekly rates based on a 38-hour week. However, many regularly worked overtime – sometimes over 50 hours – without proper penalties. Additional breaches included unlawful deductions for airfares and accommodation, missing leave entitlements, and poor record-keeping.
Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth called the conduct “entirely unacceptable,” stressing that annualised salaries must fully account for all hours and entitlements. The case highlights ongoing risks in agriculture for vulnerable migrant workers reliant on employers for visas, housing, and transport.
Strengthening the HR Bridge for PALM Employers
The “HR bridge” refers to the critical link between labour mobility programs like PALM and everyday workplace compliance. Gaps in this bridge – such as inaccurate payroll, misunderstood awards, or inadequate oversight – can lead to significant underpayments and legal risks, especially for businesses without a dedicated human resources business partner.
Specialist providers like HR Bridge Australia help employers build a robust HR bridge, ensuring ethical and compliant employment of PALM workers.
HR Bridge AU is an outsourced HR services company focused on small and medium enterprises across sectors including agriculture. With over a decade of experience, they specialise in Fair Work Act compliance, recruitment, payroll management, onboarding, and visa support – earning recognition as a trusted best hr services company in australia for compliance-focused employers.
How HR Bridge AU Helps Avoid Issues Like Bulmer Farms
HR Bridge AU offers targeted solutions to prevent underpayment and exploitation, acting as a
practical HR business partner for employers navigating complex labour obligations:
- Compliant Payroll & Award Interpretation – Seamless payroll management and expert guidance on modern awards, ensuring accurate overtime calculations, penalty rates, and leave Entitlements – even in seasonal industries with variable hours.
- Tailored Contracts & Policies – Custom employment contracts, handbooks, and policies designed for PALM workers to close compliance gaps from the start.
- Recruitment & Onboarding Support – Efficient migrant worker recruitment and onboarding, including visa assistance, while emphasising workers’ rights and fair treatment.
- Ongoing Compliance Monitoring – Regular updates on labour law changes, free consultations and assessments, plus 24/7 support for urgent issues.
- Risk Mitigation – Proactive audits and advice to avoid unlawful deductions, poor record-keeping, or excessive hours.
By outsourcing these functions to certified HR experts, employers can focus on farming while minimising the risk of costly litigation, back-pay orders, or penalties (which can reach $93,900 per breach).
A Proactive Path Forward
The Bulmer Farms case is a timely reminder that good intentions are not enough—robust systems and expert support are essential for PALM success. Partnering with specialists like HR Bridge AU helps create fair workplaces, protects vulnerable workers, and supports sustainable labour solutions for Australian agriculture.
