BrisbaneTimes.com.au
The federal government is set to strengthen penalties against the use of illegal workers amid growing evidence of organised and criminal recruitment practices used by some employers.
Immigration Minister Chris Evans today announced a review into penalties facing employers who hire illegal workers following a poor success rate in prosecuting offenders.
The move comes as figures showed more 1271 people were caught working illegally in the agriculture, construction and hospitality sectors in the nine months to March 31.
Senator Evans said the evidence pointed to growing systematic and organised abuse of the system by employers.
"While most Australian employers do the right thing, there is emerging evidence that some are using illegal workers in an organised and criminal way," he said in a statement.
Senator Evans said although authorities were having greater success in detecting illegal workers, little progress had been made in prosecuting employers and labour hire intermediaries.
The review will be conducted by independent legal expert Stephen Howells, who is expected to consult widely with employers, unions and relevant state and commonwealth agencies.
The Howells review will examine the laws and penalties that govern employers, the effectiveness of systems and operations that help them comply with their obligations, and the effect of employer sanctions on business.
It will also look into community understanding and acceptance of the need for an employer sanctions system.
Senator Evans said the review would specifically look at toughening current penalties and the lack of prosecutions against employers.
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