RSPCA Queensland will repay more than $4.3 million to over 1,000 employees following an investigation by the Fair Work Ombudsman into wage underpayments. The not-for-profit organisation is reimbursing 1,008 current and former casual, full-time, and part-time staff across a range of roles, including veterinary, administrative, retail, and café positions.

The underpayments, which were identified primarily in Brisbane but also affected locations such as the Sunshine Coast, Logan, Cairns, Gladstone, and Townsville, occurred over a period exceeding seven years, from February 2017 through to October 2024. Individual repayments vary widely, from less than a dollar to amounts up to $70,383, inclusive of interest and superannuation contributions.

RSPCA Queensland self-reported the issue to the Fair Work Ombudsman in 2023 after changes to its payroll system prompted a review. The organisation has entered into an enforceable undertaking (EU) with the Ombudsman, reflecting its cooperation throughout the investigation and commitment to rectifying the underpayments.

As part of the EU, RSPCA Queensland is required to commission an independent audit, at its own expense, to verify ongoing compliance with workplace laws and address any further breaches. The organisation must also provide additional training for payroll staff, establish a hotline for employees to raise pay-related concerns, and ensure its board regularly monitors compliance efforts.

Additionally, the charity must communicate with former and current staff regarding the identified underpayments and inform the Fair Work Ombudsman about new payroll systems and compliance measures being implemented to prevent recurrence. There will also be ongoing consultation with employees and their union representatives concerning wage compliance.

Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth underscored the importance of employers maintaining robust systems to ensure all workers receive correct pay entitlements. She emphasized that failure to properly manage overtime and penalty rates can result in substantial underpayment liabilities over time.

Booth described the enforceable undertaking as a suitable resolution for the charity, noting its proactive steps to acknowledge breaches and enact corrective measures. She also highlighted the broader lesson the case presents for all employers regarding workplace law compliance and the necessity of effective internal controls over payroll processes.