Posted on December 5, 2025 by The HR Bridge Team
As one of the Best HR Outsourcing Company in Australia, HR Bridge is committed to keeping businesses updated on critical compliance matters and fair work policies. Recently, the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) intensified inspections across Australia’s horticulture sector. Surprise visits were conducted in Coffs Harbour, following earlier checks in the Riverina (NSW) and Sunraysia (Mildura, VIC) regions, which are known for non-compliance rates of 61–72%.
Key results so far (as of 19 Nov 2025):
- Over $70,000 in underpayments recovered for workers
- Close to $77,000 in fines issued, mainly targeting labour hire providers
- Main breaches included incorrect casual/overtime rates, missing pay slips, and poor record-keeping
- Growers reminded: outsourcing does not remove legal responsibility
Labour hire companies were hit the hardest, but growers were not exempt. The FWO reinforced that even when using contractors, employers remain accountable for workers operating on their farms and must comply with fair work policies at all times.
What This Means for You
Whether you’re a grower, labour hire provider, or manage migrant or seasonal staff, now is the time to ensure full compliance. As specialists in fair work policies, HR Bridge has observed recurring issues across the horticulture sector, including:
Common non-compliance areas:
- No or incorrect pay slips
- Casual workers not paid minimum wage plus overtime
- Missing Fair Work or Casual Employment Information Statements
- Poor timekeeping and piece-rate documentation
How HR Bridge Can Help
As the Best HR Outsourcing Company in Australia, HR Bridge supports horticulture businesses with end-to-end compliance solutions aligned with current fair work policies, including:
- Record-keeping and compliance audits
- Horticulture Award training for supervisors and managers
- Ready-to-use pay slip and timesheet templates
- Expert advice on piece rates, workplace rights, and visa worker protections
A single compliance error can result in heavy penalties and reputational damage. Don’t wait for inspectors to knock – protect your business by aligning with fair work policies today.
Book Your Free Compliance Health Check
📞 Contact HR Bridge:
0444 526 94 / 08 63744 7463
Read the original FWO announcement here (official source):
https://www.fairwork.gov.au/newsroom/media-releases/2025-media-releases/december-2025/20251204-coffs-harbour-inspections-and-horticulture-results-media-release
HR Bridge – Keeping Australian workplaces fair, compliant, and protected.
Note: Information provided is general and not legal advice.
