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September 8, 2023
2023-1493

Australia employers under the compliance spotlight

Employer compliance with immigration, tax and workplace law is a key priority of the Australian government. Measures underway include (i) amendments to the Fair Work Act to further protect migrant worker entitlements which are now in effect; (ii) increased penalties and new offences under the Migration Amendment (Strengthening Employer Compliance) Bill 2023; (iii) improving post-arrival monitoring and enforcement of wages and conditions including the use of Tax File Numbers by migrant workers; (iv) increasing labor market mobility for temporary sponsored visa holders by allowing up to 180 days to change employers while remaining in Australia; and (v) ongoing data matching arrangements between the Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). These initiatives are supported by significant extra funding to the Australian Border Force (ABF) for additional enforcement and compliance activities. During a blitz in July 2023, the ABF inspected around 300 businesses in every state and territory.

A Tax Alert prepared by EY's People Advisory Services group, and attached below, provides additional details.

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Full text of Tax Alert