Fair Day’s Work: Legal Insights into Wage Exploitation of Young Australians

The ‘Ugly in ‘the Good, the Bad and the Ugly’ from our 29 July 2025 podcast on Restraint of Trade Part 1.

The 2025 Fair Day’s Work Report, published by the Centre for Employment and Labour Relations Law at Melbourne Law School, delivers a sobering account of wage exploitation among young workers in Australia. Drawing on a survey of 2,814 individuals aged 15–30 and a series of co-design workshops, the report reveals systemic breaches of workplace laws that disproportionately affect vulnerable cohorts.

Key Findings

• Underpayment is endemic: 33% of respondents earned $15/hour or less.
• Widespread noncompliance: 43% performed unpaid extra duties, 36% were denied entitled breaks, and 25% did not receive compulsory superannuation 
• Indicators of exploitation include non-permanent residency, disability, transgender status, and employment in high-risk sectors such as hospitality, retail, and mining 

Calls for Action – Potential Regulatory Implications

The report calls for targeted compliance measures in industries with persistent noncompliance, and proposes a “loaded rate” model to address unpaid overtime. It also highlights the need for improved education and outreach by regulators like the Fair Work Ombudsman, particularly for teenage workers who are least likely to seek help despite positive feedback from those who do.

Co-Design Solutions

Young participants proposed innovative digital tools to empower workers and promote employer accountability:

• EmployCheck: A self-assessment tool for SMEs to verify legal compliance.
• Labourlink: An AI-powered portal offering tailored guidance on employment rights.
• Awareness campaigns: Social media initiatives like “Next Viral Hit” aim to educate youth in engaging formats 

This report underscores the urgent need for reform in enforcement mechanisms and workplace education. It also raises questions about the adequacy of current protections for non-standard workers, including casuals and independent contractors, who are often excluded from key entitlements under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth).