Fair Work Ombudsman Files $93,257 Claim Against Narrandera IGA Operator Over Migrant Underpayment
Updated
Updated · HRD America · Aug 14
Fair Work Ombudsman Files $93,257 Claim Against Narrandera IGA Operator Over Migrant Underpayment
1 articles · Updated · HRD America · Aug 14
Summary
$93,257 in alleged underpayments is at the center of a Fair Work Ombudsman case filed in July 2026 against the operators of a Narrandera, New South Wales, IGA supermarket.
Migrant workers remain especially exposed because temporary visas can be used as leverage, employment and migration rules are complex, and some cases also involve racial discrimination, according to University of Sydney researcher Anna Boucher.
Employers often breach rules through misclassification, award misinterpretation and delayed complaints from workers worried about losing jobs or visas, said Peninsula Australia operations director Laurence McLean.
26.3% of Australian jobs were held by migrants in 2019-20, with 29.5% of those roles filled by temporary visa holders, heightening risk in sectors such as agriculture, hospitality, retail and data centres.
HR advisers say businesses should treat visa and award checks as ongoing governance work, using regular reviews and compliance systems as directors and officers now face potential personal liability for underpayment findings.