FWO also secures record-high penalties in 2024–25

More than $358 million in unpaid wages was returned to more than 249,000 underpaid workers in 2024–25, according to the Fair Work Ombudsman's (FWO) latest annual report.

The FWO said 60% of the recoveries came from large corporate sector employers, equivalent to almost $213 million back-paid to nearly 118,000 underpaid employees.

"An important element of this has been our clear expectations to large corporates that following workplace laws must be an ongoing priority – and this includes thoroughly fixing up past underpayments as well as improving governance and processes for the future," said Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth (pictured above) in a statement.

Significant recoveries made

Significant recoveries were also achieved through the FWO’s dispute assistance services, targeted investigations, and self-reported underpayments, according to the FWO.

A total of $47 million was back-paid to employees in 2024–25 through eight Enforceable Undertakings, including four with universities that self-reported their underpayments.

Dispute assistance efforts also led to $7.3 million in unpaid wages being back-paid to 2,120 workers. Another $8.2 million was also recovered for 3,428 workers through 1,220 Compliance Notices issued by Fair Work Inspectors.

Overall, the FWO has recovered more than $2 billion in unpaid wages in the last five years.

"This outcome reflects the resolution of matters cooperatively within the workplace, as well as...

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