MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - September 15, 2026 - Backpacker Job Board has received a public commendation from the Fair Work Ombudsman for including information about minimum wages under the Horticulture Award on advertisements for fruit-picking positions.
The recognition appeared in the workplace regulator’s media release published on 27 August 2026, which announced a rise in fines issued to employers advertising jobs at unlawfully low rates.
“The FWO also commends the Backpacker Job Board for including information on the minimum wages owed under the Horticulture Award on ads for fruit-picking positions,” the Fair Work Ombudsman stated.
Backpacker Job Board welcomed the recognition because it reflects a simple but important principle: useful pay information should be visible when someone is deciding whether to apply for a job.
Helping backpackers understand their workplace entitlements
Backpacker Job Board displays information about minimum wages owed under the Horticulture Award alongside fruit-picking job advertisements, allowing applicants to see important minimum-pay information before they apply or contact an employer.
Many working holidaymakers arrive in Australia unfamiliar with the award system, which sets different minimum rates depending on the industry, the classification of the work and factors such as casual loading and piece rates. Without that context, it can be difficult to judge whether an advertised rate is fair, low or unlawful.
Matthew Heyes, founder of Backpacker Job Board, said the feature was designed to close that information gap.
“Backpackers should not need to become workplace-law experts before applying for a fruit-picking job. By displaying relevant minimum-wage information alongside job advertisements, we can help applicants identify questionable offers and ask the right questions before accepting work,” Heyes said.
Heyes said visible wage information benefits both sides of the hiring process.
“Most employers want to do the right thing. Making wage information more visible helps job seekers while also supporting legitimate employers that comply with their obligations.”
Fair Work Ombudsman crackdown on unlawful job advertisements
The commendation came as the Fair Work Ombudsman reported stronger enforcement against unlawful job advertisements. In 2025–26, the regulator issued 358 Infringement Notices, with employers paying fines totalling $131,836. The total value of fines was 18 per cent higher than in the previous year.
More than $317,000 in fines have now been paid since laws banning advertisements offering below-minimum rates commenced in 2023.
Under those laws, advertised pay must meet the minimum rates in the relevant award or enterprise agreement, or the National Minimum Wage where no award or agreement applies. From 1 July 2026, the maximum penalty rose to $2,184 per contravention for an individual and $10,920 per contravention for a company.
Information for Australian employers and job seekers
Employers remain responsible for advertising and paying lawful rates at all times. Businesses recruiting for seasonal and horticultural roles can check their obligations using the Fair Work Pay and Conditions Tool, the Fair Work pay guides and the regulator’s guidance on job advertisements.
Job seekers should confirm the award, classification and minimum rate applying to a role before accepting work. Advertisements that appear to offer unlawful pay or conditions can be reported to Backpacker Job Board through its contact page and anonymously to the Fair Work Ombudsman through its website.
Clearer employment information for working holidaymakers
The Fair Work Ombudsman’s commendation recognises a specific worker-information measure: displaying Horticulture Award wage information on fruit-picking job advertisements.
“Backpacker Job Board has always been proud to work alongside the Fair Work Ombudsman by sharing information that makes employment and opportunities in Australia safer for working holidaymakers. We will keep doing exactly that,” Heyes said.
About Backpacker Job Board
Backpacker Job Board is an Australian employment platform specialising in jobs for working holidaymakers and backpackers. Founded in 2010 by Matthew Heyes and headquartered in Melbourne, Backpacker Job Board connects international travellers with employers across Australia.
The platform advertises opportunities in horticulture, agriculture, hospitality, tourism, construction, sales, regional employment and other industries. It also provides resources to help working holidaymakers understand Australian employment conditions and identify work that may contribute towards eligibility for a second or third Working Holiday visa.
About Matthew Heyes
Matthew Heyes is an Australian entrepreneur, author and working holiday employment advocate. He founded Backpacker Job Board in 2010 to help international travellers find employment in Australia and to connect Australian businesses with working holidaymakers seeking work.
Website: www.backpackerjobboard.com.au
Media Contact
Company Name: Backpacker Job Board
Contact Person: Matthew Heyes, Founder
Email: Send Email
City: Melbourne
State: VIC
Country: Australia
Website: https://www.backpackerjobboard.com.au/