Criminal Code and Other Legislation (Wage Theft) Amendment Bill 2020
Bill Story
The journey of this bill through Parliament, including debate and recorded votes.
Referred to Education, Employment and Small Business Committee
▸13 members spoke8 support5 mixed
As Minister for Industrial Relations, moved the second reading and outlined the bill's provisions to criminalise deliberate wage theft with penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment. Also introduced the Liquor (Artisan Liquor) Amendment Bill as a separate introduction in the same section.
“I am delighted that the committee has recommended that the bill be passed.”— 2020-09-09View Hansard
As shadow industrial relations minister, stated the LNP would not oppose the bill but criticised the government for being slow to act and for previously voting against LNP wage theft legislation in 2018.
“The LNP will not be opposing these changes.”— 2020-09-09View Hansard
Supported the bill as implementing a fair day's pay for a fair day's work, protecting Queensland workers from exploitation.
“A fair day's pay for a fair day's work.”— 2020-09-09View Hansard
As committee member, stated the LNP would not oppose the bill as it was a step in the right direction but noted it was not perfect.
“We need to get this right and while this bill does not take us all the way it leaves us heading in the right direction.”— 2020-09-09View Hansard
Supported the bill as standing up for workers and protecting them from wage theft.
“This is what a traditional Labor government does.”— 2020-09-09View Hansard
As committee member, did not oppose the bill but criticised the government for acting close to the election after delaying for years.
“When we hear so much from the Labor government about how it is the party that supports workers, we must seriously question its authenticity.”— 2020-09-09View Hansard
Supported the bill as addressing wage theft and protecting vulnerable workers, particularly in the hospitality industry.
“That is what we are doing here today.”— 2020-09-09View Hansard
Stated the KAP supports the bill and would not oppose it, as a party that stands up for workers' rights.
“The KAP supports this bill. We will be voting for it.”— 2020-09-09View Hansard
Supported the bill as ensuring every worker receives a fair day's pay for a fair day's work.
“It gives me great pleasure today to rise in support of the Criminal Code and Other Legislation (Wage Theft) Amendment Bill 2020.”— 2020-09-09View Hansard
Supported the bill as a really good step in the right direction for protecting workers from wage theft.
“I support the Criminal Code and Other Legislation (Wage Theft) Amendment Bill.”— 2020-09-09View Hansard
Reiterated the LNP would not oppose the bill but criticised the government for previously voting against LNP wage theft legislation and raised constitutional concerns.
“I reiterate that the LNP will not oppose this bill, but an LNP government would monitor these laws to ensure they do not result in business closures.”— 2020-09-09View Hansard
Supported the bill as standing up for Queensland workers and businesses that do the right thing.
“I rise to speak in support of the Criminal Code and Other Legislation (Wage Theft) Amendment Bill.”— 2020-09-09View Hansard
Did not oppose the bill but raised concerns about the late timing and noted employer representatives had concerns with the legislation.
“Employee representatives were supportive of the bill while most of the employer representatives did not support the changes.”— 2020-09-09View Hansard
Plain English Summary
Overview
This bill makes deliberate wage theft a criminal offence punishable by up to 10 years in prison. It also creates a simpler, faster and cheaper process for workers to recover unpaid wages through the Industrial Magistrates Court, with free conciliation offered before matters go to court.
Who it affects
Workers who have been underpaid now have an easier path to recover their wages, while employers who deliberately steal wages face criminal prosecution. The changes particularly help vulnerable workers like migrants and young people who found previous recovery processes too difficult.
Key changes
- Wage theft can now be prosecuted as stealing under the Criminal Code, with employers facing up to 10 years imprisonment
- Fraud by an employer against an employee now carries a maximum 14 years imprisonment
- Small wage claims up to $20,000 can be recovered through a simple process in the Industrial Magistrates Court
- Free compulsory conciliation is offered before wage claims go to court hearing
- Union officials can represent workers in small claims wage recovery matters