Workers and businesses across the Coffs Harbour and Nambucca Valley regions could benefit from a major compliance crackdown targeting suspected wage underpayments, unsafe working conditions and unfair business practices in the horticulture industry.
Federal and state regulators have joined forces to inspect berry farms and labour hire businesses, aiming to ensure local workers are paid correctly, migrant workers are protected from exploitation and businesses following the rules are not disadvantaged.
The two-day operation, known as Operation Brambles, involved the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO), Australian Taxation Office (ATO), Australian Border Force (ABF) and SafeWork NSW.
Officers visited farms across the region this week, speaking with growers, fruit pickers, packers, supervisors and labour hire operators about workplace conditions and legal obligations.
The inspections are particularly significant for the Mid North Coast, where berry farming provides employment opportunities and supports the regional economy.
However, previous investigations have raised concerns about workplace practices.
The FWO’s 2025 Horticulture Compliance Report found 61 per cent of employers assessed across the Coffs Harbour and Grafton region were not meeting their obligations under the Fair Work Act.
Among labour hire businesses, that figure rose to 74 per cent.
Regulators are investigating potential breaches involving unpaid wages, incorrect piece rates, unpaid overtime, missing penalty rates, inadequate breaks and failures to meet tax and superannuation obligations.
They are also examining possible illegal phoenix activity, where businesses transfer assets to new companies to avoid paying debts, potentially leaving workers, suppliers and other local businesses out of pocket.
Investigations are continuing, with no findings from the latest inspections released.
Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth said protecting vulnerable workers, including visa holders, remained a priority.
“All businesses within labour supply chains need to be aware that taking action to protect visa holders and hold to account non-compliant businesses operating within the horticulture sector are priorities for the Fair Work Ombudsman,” Booth said.
“We welcome the opportunity to unite with our fellow regulators to detect and disrupt any phoenix behaviour and to put a spotlight on businesses’ compliance under tax, immigration and workplace safety laws.
“We urge any workers in this sector who are concerned about pay or entitlements to contact the Fair Work Ombudsman directly for free advice and assistance. Visa holders have the same rights as all other workers, and protections exist for their visa if they ask for help.”
ATO Assistant Commissioner Jarred Needham said the inspections were also about ensuring businesses operating legally were not placed at a competitive disadvantage.
“Honest businesses and the community expect us to work together to detect and disrupt phoenix behaviour and ensure a level playing field.”
ABF Acting Commander Chris Andino said regional industries depended on seasonal workers, making it essential that employment arrangements were lawful and fair.
“We know regional industries rely on seasonal workforces, and we want to ensure those workers are employed lawfully, treated fairly and protected from exploitation.
“Businesses that employ or engage migrant workers must comply with Australia’s workplace and migration laws, regardless of their location or industry.”
The inspections also aim to improve workplace safety, with SafeWork NSW examining whether employers are meeting their responsibilities to protect workers from injury and unsafe conditions.
The crackdown follows recent legal action against two labour hire operators accused of underpaying migrant workers on blueberry farms in the Coffs Harbour region.
For the wider community, the operation highlights the importance of fair employment practices in an industry that supports local jobs, growers and businesses.
Wage underpayments can leave workers with less money to spend in the local economy, while businesses avoiding their obligations can place financial pressure on competitors doing the right thing.
Workers concerned about their pay or conditions can seek free advice from the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Suspected immigration offences or worker exploitation can also be reported anonymously through Border Watch.
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