On 13 November 2019, the Senate referred an inquiry into the causes, extent and effects of unlawful non-payment or underpayment of employees’ remuneration by employers and measures that can be taken to address the issue.

The committee was originally to report to the Senate by the last sitting day in June 2020. On 12 February 2020, the Senate granted the committee an extension to report by 3 December 2020. On 15 June 2020, the Senate granted the committee an extension to report by 24 June 2021. On 11 May 2021, the Senate granted the committee an extension to report by 2 December 2021. On 24 November 2021, the Senate granted the committee a further extension to report by the last sitting day in February, 10 February 2022. 

On 10 February 2022, the Senate granted the committee a further extension to report by 30 March 2022.

The committee is interested in hearing about individual cases and circumstances. However, it cannot resolve or intercede in such cases.  If you wish to make a complaint about your current or former employer, or would like to seek more information, please contact the Australian Taxation Office's Tax Integrity Centre or the Fair Work Ombudsman. 

If recounting individual stories in your submission, it is very important to avoid naming individuals or casting accusations. Further, limit any discussion about individual cases to general information, and do not include derogatory or offensive language or assertions.

It is standard practice for submissions published by the committee to remove signatures and personal contact information. However, if you wish for your submission to be kept confidential, or you would like your name to be withheld (that is, your submission published on the inquiry website, but all personally identifying information removed), please state so clearly in your submission.

Please note that the processing of submissions is not an automatic process. Each submission received is considered by the committee prior to any publication and this can take some time.