FWO Annual Report: The Key Stats
Published November 06, 2019 (last updated June 17, 2020)
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How Confident Are You?
Please note that the statistics provided below are relevant as of November 2019. For updated information on the FWO, please visit our latest guide here.
Over 2,800 small business audits, 16,000 anonymous reports and $40m in reclaimed wages.
These are just some of the startling figures released in the Fair Work Ombudsman’s 2018/19 Annual Report. Don’t let your business become a statistic – we’re here to help.
In 2018/19 the FWO:
- Recovered $40.2 million in unpaid wages for more than 17,700 workers – an average of $2,200 per worker.
- Received over 16,000 anonymous reports
- Audited over 2,800 businesses
- Issued 563 infringement notices
- Issued 274 compliance notices
- Initiated 23 litigations and issued over $4.4 million in court ordered penalties
- 50% of litigations filed by the FWO involved businesses in the fast food, restaurant and café sector.
Do You Have Concerns About Complying With Fair Work Act Obligations?
Don’t let your business become a statistic – we’re here to help. For any questions about compliance, Employsure clients can call us on 1300 2017 182, or email [email protected]

Download the infographic here.
The big numbers from the Fair Work Ombudsman’s 2018/19 Annual Report.