Shadow Economy Taskforce commences grape and wine crackdown

The Australian Taxation Office, Fair Work Ombudsman and Department of Home Affairs’ Australian Border Force have carried out surprise compliance visits to 18 vineyards in Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale.

The coordinated unannounced inspections formed part of Operation Zephyr, an operation under the Shadow Economy Taskforce focused on finding any unlawful practices by employers of seasonal vineyard workers.

Officers from all three agencies spoke directly with workers, vineyard managers and labour hire providers and requested detailed records including any labour hire contracts, invoices, timesheets, pay slips and work rosters.