What are the penalties for violating employment laws in Australia?

Violations of the Fair Work Act 2009 can result in significant penalties. Employers might face fines for underpayments, failure to provide breaks, and violating terms of Modern Awards or Enterprise Agreements. Serious contraventions, such as deliberate exploitation, can attract higher penalties. Individual company directors and officers may also be held liable in some cases. Breaches of workplace health and safety can lead to additional fines or even imprisonment. Engaging with our employment law experts can ensure understanding of potential penalties and ways to avoid them.