[Australia - Queensland] Law passed ensuring jail time for bosses who rip off workers

New laws passed in the State Parliament on September 9 make Queensland judges the first in Australia with the power to jail employers who deliberately rip off workers. Amendments to the state's criminal code allow judges to pass sentences of up to 10 years’ imprisonment on employers who underpay workers.

Queensland's laws will be enacted before October 6 when the government is dissolved ahead of the state election. Victoria passed similar laws earlier in the year, however, the legislation will not be enforced there until 2021. The legislation in Queensland was passed without opposition but the LNP reportedly raised concerns that the laws would "undermine the federal industrial relations system". Brisbane Times reports the story and reactions the legislation’s passage has received.

New laws passed in the State Parliament on September 9 make Queensland judges the first in Australia with the power to jail employers who deliberately rip off workers. Amendments to the state's criminal code allow judges to pass sentences of up to 10 years’ imprisonment on employers who underpay workers.

Queensland's laws will be enacted before October 6 when the government is dissolved ahead of the state election. Victoria passed similar laws earlier in the year, however, the legislation will not be enforced there until 2021. The legislation in Queensland was passed without opposition but the LNP reportedly raised concerns that the laws would "undermine the federal industrial relations system". Brisbane Times reports the story and reactions the legislation’s passage has received.