Industrial relations
The department regulates compliance through:
- dispute resolution regarding unpaid wages or other industrial relations entitlements
- conference hearings if dispute resolution is unsuccessful
- investigation of wage matters by an inspector
- auditing of workplaces including educative strategies
- enforcement activities including infringement notices and/or prosecution action
Further information is available on the procedures used by Industrial Relations for compliance of workplace inspections.
Dispute resolution
The department seeks to support dispute resolution, providing services to organise communication and resolution between parties and minimise the need for formal investigation and litigation.
More information on lodging a wages and conditions claim.
Conference hearings
Wage complaints that remain unresolved following the dispute resolution procedures may be referred to a Member of the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission for a conference hearing, with a view to resolution of the matter.Investigation
Where wage complaints remain unresolved after dispute resolution the department can investigate to determine what further action, if any, is required.
Industrial Inspectors can interview employers and employees and inspect time and wage records of all employees to ensure compliance with the Act.
More information on investigations into industrial relations complaints is detailed in the enforcement framework policy (PDF, 50 KB).
Auditing
The department conducts audits of workplaces to ensure compliance, targeting groups and issues based on relevant criteria. Investigations and/or penalties can result from audits where issues or breaches are identified.
The department also focuses on education, providing opportunities for industry participants to understand compliance issues, and act on them.
Enforcement activities
Investigations can result in a number of enforcement activities being used, including:
- infringement notices
- prosecution actions
- applications for wages recovery orders
- appeals
More information on the penalties that result from enforcement activities.
Last updated August 30, 2006