Navigate Australia’s new criminal wage theft laws with actionable strategies to audit payroll, eradicate underpayment, and shield your organization from liability.
Welcome to Wage Theft Compliance for HR, a comprehensive course designed to navigate the complex and high-stakes landscape of wage compliance in Australia. With the introduction of the 'Closing Loopholes' legislation and the criminalisation of intentional wage theft commencing in January 2025, the imperative for accurate payroll governance has never been stronger. This course is essential for HR professionals, payroll managers, and business owners who must understand the new legal frameworks to protect their organisations from severe penalties, including fines of up to $8.25 million and imprisonment for individuals.
We move beyond basic payroll processing to explore the strategic and legal requirements for eradicating underpayment. Through six focused chapters, you will gain a deep understanding of the new federal criminal offence, including the critical legal distinctions between accidental error, recklessness, and intentional conduct. We will examine the enforcement powers of the Fair Work Ombudsman and provide a detailed analysis of 'safe harbour' provisions, such as the Voluntary Small Business Wage Compliance Code and Cooperation Agreements, which can shield compliant employers from prosecution.
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
This practical, evidence-based training will equip you with the knowledge to manage payroll compliance confidently and ensure your business meets its obligations in a rapidly evolving industrial relations environment.
PeopleFirst Compliance Academy delivers practical CPD for HR professionals across Australia and New Zealand. We help teams stay compliant with evolving workplace laws, covering wage rules, psychosocial risk, investigations, misconduct, termination, hybrid work, and employee classifications through clear, actionable training.
