15/04/2026
Our message to employers - do the right thing and meet your obligations under the Migration Act.
A joint operation of officers from the Department of Home Affairs’ Australian Border Force, Australian Taxation Office and Fair Work Ombudsman has increased efforts to protect vulnerable migrant workers and prevent misuse of the visa system.
The three regulators recently carried out surprise compliance visits to 18 vineyards in Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills and McLaren in South Australia. Officers spoke with workers, vineyard managers and labour hire providers and requested detailed records including any labour hire contracts, invoices, timesheets, pay slips and work rosters.
Investigations are ongoing and focused on finding any unlawful practices by employers of seasonal vineyard workers including:
👉 underpaying wages, penalty rates and other entitlements including super
👉 failing to provide pay slips to workers
👉 non-lodgement of activity statements and income tax returns
👉 migrant worker exploitation and unlawful provision of immigration assistance.
If an employer is found to have engaged in unlawful practices the consequences could be serious.
