Australia recovers $453 million in unpaid wages

The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) recovered $453 million in unpaid wages and entitlements for more than 181,000 workers during the 2025–26 financial year. This represents an increase of approximately $95 million compared to the previous year.

Anonymous reports of potential workplace breaches reached a record 31,596, a 23 per cent increase from the prior year. Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth stated that these reports assist the regulator in identifying emerging issues and patterns of non-compliance to direct enforcement and education efforts.

Large corporations were responsible for $217.3 million of the total back-payments, benefiting over 110,000 workers. Additionally, 15 Enforceable Undertakings resulted in $106.6 million in returned wages, superannuation, and interest. Over the last six financial years, the FWO has recovered nearly $2.5 billion for Australian workers.