RSPCA Queensland will reimburse a total of $4.3 million to more than 1000 underpaid staff following an investigation by the regulator.
The not-for-profit animal welfare organisation self-reported to the Fair Work Ombudsman in 2023 after a change in payroll staff prompted a review.
An investigation found staff were unpaid after the RSPCA incorrectly applied clauses in enterprise agreements, including failing to properly pay overtime and penalty rates.
The period of underpayments spanned February 2017 to October 2024, with back-payments to individual employees ranging from less than a dollar to more than $70,000 including super and interest. The average back-payment was about $3900.
Workers affected by the underpayment include current and former veterinary, administration, retail and cafe staff, spread across 14 locations, including Brisbane where most payroll issues occurred.
RSPCA has so far remediated more than $4.13 million to 872 employees, including about $718,000 in interest and about $134,000 in super.
Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth said the RSPCA had co-operated with the investigation and demonstrated a commitment to rectifying the underpayments.
“We welcome RSPCA Queensland’s acknowledgement of its breaches and the underlying issues, and the measures taken to rectify them and ensure future compliance for their workers,” Booth said.
“The matter serves as a warning of the significant long-running problems that can result from an employer failing to have appropriate checks and balances to ensure workplace compliance.
“We expect employers to meet their legal obligations under their own enterprise agreements and any applicable awards.”
As part of the FWO’s enforceable undertaking, RSPCA Queensland will be required to commission an independent audit, at its own cost, check compliance with workplace laws, and rectify any future breaches.
It will also be asked to consult regularly with employees and their union on wage compliance, and notify all former and current employees about the underpayments.
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
