Reported at colemangreig.com.au: Starting January 1, 2025, employers in Australia will face criminal liability for intentional underpayment of wages, with the offense requiring proof that the employer knowingly failed to pay owed amounts on time.

The Fair Work Ombudsman will assess an employer’s intention based on the circumstances and impose civil penalties, which will increase significantly for companies with 15 or more employees. Maximum penalties will rise to either $495,000 or three times the underpayment amount for contraventions, and up to $4,950,000 for serious contraventions.