07/04/2026
Every year, workers go to tribunal, make their case, and win.
And then—nothing. The employer doesn't pay. There's no one coming to make them. It's a justice system that stops working at the final step.
Today, The Bureau of Investigative Journalism published an investigation that puts a number on that failure.
One restaurant chain, more than 20 tribunal awards, reportedly none of them paid. Emiliano Mellino's investigation shows not just that it happened, but how the system allowed it.
This isn't a surprise to anyone working in employment advice. Law Centre advisers support clients through tribunal. Sometimes when they win, nothing happens. The award exists on paper. The money doesn't arrive.
Today, the government's answer to this problem, the Fair Work Agency, officially opens its doors. We welcome it. The need is real and the intent is right.
But a new institution is only a promise until it has funding that matches the scale of the problem.
New rights in law—and the Employment Rights Act has delivered many—are only meaningful if people can actually use them.
We want the Fair Work Agency to succeed—for the workers who've already waited long enough.
Today is day one. There's everything still to prove. We'll be watching, working alongside, and speaking up to ensure is meaningful for everyone.
Jason Wells’ restaurant chain has cheated workers, lost 21 tribunal claims – and not paid a single one
