Workplace Ombudsman looks into museum staff’s wages
AUSTRALIA’S workplace watchdog is investigating Bendigo’s Golden Dragon Museum over the alleged under payment of employees. It’s believed the underpaid workers were two Chinese employees, one of whom was on a working visa sponsored by the museum. The Workplace Ombudsman confirmed this week a complaint had been made against the museum, which is run by Bendigo’s citizen of the year Russell Jack. The watchdog has written to the museum seeking a response within 14 days. However, Mr Jack said the issue would be resolved quickly. He said he was guided by the Department of Immigration in reference to wages. “It’s nothing, the immigration department set the wages and we adjusted them later on,” he said. “It will be all over and finished within a day. “We haven’t found out whether immigration got it wrong ... it’s not our fault.” According to the Department of Immigration, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship specifies a minimum salary level that can be paid to overseas workers. Visas approved before July 1, 2006, as with this case, are subject to certification by a regional certifying body and the minimum salary that can be paid is the level approved by that body. Sponsors must also comply with all relevant industrial relations legislation, meaning they must pay the higher of the two requirements. It’s believed the workers were not paid the higher of the two.
