Two years after enduring long hours under the scorching sun to harvest salad vegetables for Christmas tables across Australia, workers like Tommy and Susilo are still chasing unpaid wages. Employed at Corrigan’s Farm in southeast Melbourne, these workers were part of a labor force that supplied major supermarket chains, including Coles and Woolworths. Despite their efforts, they remain unpaid, with the total amount owed exceeding $260,000.
Tommy, whose name has been changed for privacy, expressed his frustration and exhaustion to the ABC, saying, “We worked hard, under the hot sun.” His colleague, Susilo, recounted working over 100 hours during the 2023 pre-Christmas rush, yet still awaits payment. The workers were employed by a labor hire group operated by Bunchhay San, a Cambodian-born Melbourne man now under investigation for tax fraud involving a network of labor hire companies.
Unpaid Labor and Allegations of Fraud
The investigation into Bunchhay San’s operations has revealed a complex web of financial misconduct. Liquidators have filed court documents indicating that the workers are owed substantial wages for their labor at Corrigan’s Farm, where they cultivated lettuces, kale, and other salad vegetables. The farm, run by the Corrigan siblings, is a major supplier to Coles and Woolworths.
According to investigators, approximately $60 million from nine companies linked to San has been funneled into the black economy. In court, allegations have surfaced about cash transactions involving a mysterious figure within the Khmer community. Mr. San has admitted to deceiving the Victorian labor hire regulator to obtain an operating license.
“The dummy directors were given instructions on cash withdrawals of significant sums — generally between $20,000 to $50,000 of cash was withdrawn from major banks at a time.” — Liquidator Innis Cull
Regulatory Failures and Worker Exploitation
The case highlights ongoing vulnerabilities in the labor hire industry, particularly for migrant workers on restrictive visas. Despite efforts by governments and unions to address these issues, exploitation persists. The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) has identified Melbourne’s surrounding areas as particularly problematic, with a report last June finding that none of the 23 labor hire firms inspected complied with workplace laws.
Tommy and Susilo’s attempts to secure their wages have been met with bureaucratic hurdles. Complaints to the FWO, the union, and even the police have yielded no results. Susilo described being assured by a superior to continue working with promises of future payment—a promise that remains unfulfilled.
“The problem is, most of us still work there. And they seem — not exactly willing — but they feel like, ‘Oh well, let’s just keep working and leave that issue.'” — Susilo
Systemic Issues and Calls for Reform
The broader implications of this case underscore systemic issues within Australia’s labor hire and agricultural sectors. Legal scholar Laurie Berg from the University of Technology Sydney notes that such underpayment cases are prevalent in complex supply chains where migrant workers have little leverage. The FWO’s recent survey found widespread non-compliance, particularly in Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley.
Experts advocate for stronger regulatory frameworks and protections for vulnerable workers. Dr. Berg argues for national labor hire licensing, streamlined wage recovery processes, and expanded visa protections to enable exploited workers to come forward without fear of retribution.
“We need stronger labor‑hire licensing and stronger visa protections.” — Dr. Laurie Berg
Future Outlook and Industry Response
The labor hire group’s license was canceled in March 2024, but the path to justice for workers like Tommy and Susilo remains uncertain. Both Coles and Woolworths have expressed their commitment to human rights and are reviewing the situation. Woolworths, in particular, has called for a national labor hire licensing scheme to enhance oversight in the horticulture sector.
As the investigation continues, the workers’ plight highlights the need for comprehensive reform in labor hire practices. The case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by migrant workers in Australia and the urgent need for systemic change to protect their rights and livelihoods.
