JobKeeper: Scott Morrison urges workers to dob in dodgy employers to police, ATO

Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Picture: AAP
Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Picture: AAP

Scott Morrison has blasted employers who attempt to keep some of the $1500 fortnightly JobKeeper payments from their workers, declaring the illegal behaviour “disgraceful” and warning they will be punished.

The Prime Minister urged employees to report any rorting to the police and Australian Taxation Office after Centre Alliance MP Rebekha Sharkie revealed she had been contacted by a worker who was only offered their job back on condition she gave her boss $600 of the government payment.

“That sort of behaviour where that’s occurring by employers, that’s disgraceful and it’s illegal and they should be reported to the police and the ATO to ensure that can be followed up. It’s not on,” the Prime Minister said.

“We will move quickly on that.”

Employment Minister Michaelia Cash said Taxation Commissioner Chris Jordan would have discretion to take action against employers, who must pass on the full amount.

A temporary offence has been created under the Fair Work Act for employers who fail to pass on the payment to an employee.

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Individual employers can be fined up to $126,000 or an entity forced to pay up to $630,000, with both employees and unions able to commence proceedings with the Fair Work Ombudsman.

There are a range of offences and financial penalties under the JobKeeper scheme ranging up to 10 years in jail or a fine of $52,500.

Employers who obtain financial advantage under the scheme face up to 12 months imprisonment and those who defraud could be jailed for 10 years.

“As an employer, if you qualify for JobKeeper, you must – and I underline must – pass on the full $1500 benefit to the employee,” Senator Cash said.

More than 850,000 businesses have registered for the JobKeeper scheme. Money will begin flowing to employers from 4 May.

Ms Sharkie called for a hotline for employees to seek urgent advice about their rights if they were unfairly pressured by employers under the JobKeeper program.

“During this time of crisis when the power imbalance between employee and employer is more marked than ever, vulnerable employees need a dedicated hotline to seek advice about their rights and their responsibilities,” she said.

“People can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman but there is no dedicated phoneline for these unusual employment circumstances.”