“we expect to be taking high-level enforcement action against a number of universities next financial year”

The FWO annual report advises, “we are concerned about the allegations of systemic underpayment in many universities.

“Our current investigations have uncovered a trend of poor governance and management oversight, a lack of centralised human resources functions and inadequate investment in payroll and time-recording systems. “

FWO adds, “casual, insecure employees are commonly impacted by the underpayments” and urges all universities to “prioritise their compliance.”

There is no “or else” but anybody who wants to know what can happen could ask Uni Melbourne, which the Ombudsman is pursuing in the Federal Court (CMM August 12 2022).