Working holiday makers have the same workplace rights as any other worker in Australia, whatever your visa.
Common problems
- Being paid less than the minimum rate, or not being paid at all.
- No payslips, or cash-in-hand with no records.
- Unfair deductions for accommodation, transport or equipment.
- Being told to work unpaid “trials” for days.
- Bullying, harassment or unsafe work.
What to do
- Keep records: your hours, payslips, messages and photos.
- Talk to your employer: sometimes it is a genuine mistake. Raise it calmly and in writing.
- Contact the Fair Work Ombudsman: free help and you can report anonymously. Visit fairwork.gov.au or call 13 13 94. Call 131 450 for a free interpreter.
- Unsafe work: contact the work health and safety regulator in your state.
The Department of Home Affairs and Fair Work have an arrangement so that visa holders can ask for help with workplace issues without worrying that their visa will be cancelled, as long as they follow the conditions of that arrangement.