In October 2025, the Fair Work Ombudsman issued a warning to employers across Australia. Job advertisements offering unlawful pay rates are under the spotlight and fines are rising.
If you operate a small business in WA, this is a reminder that compliance isn’t optional. Building a fair workplace starts right from the moment you advertise a role.
What changed?
-
In 2024-25 the Ombudsman issued 318 Infringement Notices for job ads showing unlawful pay rates. This is more than double the 156 notices in 2023-24.
-
Penalties during that period totalled $111,306, compared with almost $74,000 the year before.
-
The pay rate you advertise must be at least the minimum rate set by the relevant award or enterprise agreement, or if none applies, the national minimum wage.
-
Industries with high numbers of vulnerable workers, like food service, venues, disability support, are especially in focus.
Check pay matches correct award before publishing your job ad
Why it matters
-
Risk of penalty: A non-compliant job ad can trigger an infringement notice, not just the job ad, but the systems that led to it.
-
Trust in your team: When pay is advertised fairly and the process is transparent, you start relationships on the right foot. It sends the message “We respect our people.”
-
Reputation and culture: In a tight talent market, word spreads. You don’t want to be the employer that advertised a $17/hour adult casual kitchen hand when award rates were much higher.
Checklist for your next job ad
-
Check the role’s classification under the relevant award.
-
Match the advertised pay rate to the minimum required for that classification (including allowances, penalty rates).
-
Make sure the wording of the ad is clear. “Starting at”, “from”, “up to” can confuse applicants.
-
Document your internal review, keep a note of how you determined the rate and that you verified it.
-
If you’re unsure, use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s pay calculator and pay guides.
Key takeaways
Posting a job ad seems simple. But it’s one of the first formal signals to future team members about how your business respects pay, rules and fairness. Get it right today, and you build trust. Skip the check, and you might pay more than you expect.
Employers warned over dodgy job ads after doubling of fines issued – Fair Work Ombudsman
If you’d like guidance reviewing your job ads, or want an internal policy template that helps you set up compliant hiring systems, we can help.
