Expert Support for Underpayment Claims in Melbourne

Trusted support in Melbourne to resolve underpayments and recover unpaid wages in line with workplace laws.

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Are you struggling with underpayment at work?

Missing penalty rates, unpaid wages, or errors in overtime pay can lead to financial stress and frustration.

In 2022–23, the Fair Work Ombudsman recovered over $509 million for underpaid workers, underscoring the growing prevalence of wage issues in Australia. Whether due to payroll errors or deliberate wage theft, underpayment undermines fairness in the workplace.

At Close Consulting, we offer expert guidance, mediation, and compliance support to help both employees and employers resolve underpayment disputes effectively. Take the first step towards fairness—reclaim your rights or protect your business today.

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How to Identify Underpayment Issues

Common Indicators of Underpayment

Underpayment issues can sometimes go unnoticed, but there are several key indicators that employees and employers can look out for to help identify potential problems.

  • Discrepancies in payslips: Regularly review payslips for inconsistencies between hours worked and the wages received.

  • Unpaid overtime: Employees should receive the correct overtime rates for work carried out beyond standard hours, as set out in the relevant award or agreement.

  • Missing allowances: In certain roles and industries, additional payments for uniforms, travel or hazardous work are standard; the absence of these allowances may indicate underpayment.

  • Incorrect penalty rates: Employees must be paid the correct penalty rates for work on weekends, public holidays, or night shifts, as specified in modern awards.

  • Non-payment of superannuation: Employers are required to make superannuation contributions, and missing payments could indicate wider compliance issues.

Calculating Entitlements

Determining whether an employee has been underpaid requires a detailed understanding of their employment contract, the applicable award, or enterprise agreement. Below is a step-by-step guide to help assess potential underpayment:

  • Identify the correct award or agreement: Determine which modern award applies to the role or industry. This will specify the required hourly rate, overtime rates, and allowances.

  • Review the National Minimum Wage: Ensure the employee is receiving at least the minimum wage if no award or agreement applies.

  • Check working hours: Compare the hours worked, including overtime, with those recorded on payslips.

  • Account for entitlements: Consider leave accruals, superannuation, and other benefits outlined in the employee’s terms of employment.

  • Use online calculators: Tools provided by the Fair Work Ombudsman can assist both employers and employees in accurately verifying minimum rates and entitlements.

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What are the Steps to Address Underpayment

Your HR Team

Meet the dedicated professionals behind your success.

Leo Close
Leo Close
Director & Lead Consultant

I established Close Consulting in 2007 as a small, boutique practice providing HR generalist advice to small business owners and individuals in Melbourne. In line with our growth over the past 13 years, we now provide specialised, professional and customer-focused advice across a wide variety of industries including aviation, higher education, retail, aged care and health.

Cameron McInnes
Cameron
Associate

Cameron brings a wealth of experience to Close Consulting following an extensive career in the Technical, Quality and Production Management fields within the construction and civil engineering industries. Advancing from cadet to manager required identifying growth opportunities. Cameron provides leadership, project management and technical capability coupled with strategic overview to time critical projects. 

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