So here we go again, the FWC says 'dob in a crock boss'.

Well guess what, while wages and conditions may be law, employing is a voluntary act and given the shape of our economy, I feel the timing of this witch hunt could not be worse.

With our leaders finally lifting their heads out of the sand, and admitting that we are not in the great shape many would have us believe, any job lost is one too many. We already have many cafes/restaurants closing on Sundays, and its no secrete that there are many who do open who pay cash, but, do you expect the boss to take all the risks and make less just because its a Sunday. Get a grip.

Once again this is a case of the risks outweighing the potential gains because most with jobs are happy just to have a job in this period of uncertainty.

Employers found guilty of short changing workers need substantial penalties imposed as they probably have been doing it for years and years. These employers are common criminals no different than a thief.

'Any job lost is one too many'.
Not necessarily.

If people all got jobs and stopped committing crimes then there would be no need for centrelink staff and prison guards.
I'd be happy to see all those peoples jobs no longer required.
Alternatively when the government says it created jobs, then its not a good thing if those jobs created are in fact centrelink staff and prison staff, if you know what I mean.

There's another side to almost every argument...

Dear rehctub,

Are we to assume then that you also think that all
the fuss about Rickard Di Natale and the Nannies recent
controversy is a "witch-hunt?" Or is it only a select
few bosses?

'Ten Bucks an Hour' Butch, an apologists for the unscrupulous rip off artists of an employer. Never mind the criminality, workers should be thankful for what they receive, and kiss the bosses you know what in return for that bounty.
Of course if an employee felt they were under rewarded for their services and took a little of the bosses juicy goodies as recompense, Butch would want then hung, drawn and quartered, without as much as a beg your pardon.

In my view employers who steal from employees should be prosecuted.
Employees who steal from their employer should also be prosecuted. Can't be fairer than that.

Butch, a quick survey of the food court at 'Westfields' today, 3 accept credit and eftpos cards,9 are "cash only" the three are Macca's KFC and Subway. Who's paying cash in hands, and no tax, and who is?

Foxy, while there is no party I hate more than the greens, I did read somewhere that board and lodging also formed a portion of that wage, so until this is factored in I don't think we can pass judgment, do you!

Paul, who apart from a kid is going to except ten bucks an hour. I don't know anyone, do you?

The worst part about this witch hunt is that they are calling on anyone to dob in any boss, so even if the worker is happy with the arrangement, that may be in jeopardy.

Is that really what we want to see happen.

That is precisely what needs to happen. The rules on wages apply to everyone. Without exception.

How can anybody read anything differently into that.

FWA do not have proviso's as some may think. This should be a non event. There is no alternative.

But there is an alternative 579, its called the cash economy and its happening right now.

In fact, if you want an alternative, it will be no jobs, then what!

Be careful what you wish for I say.

Butch folding money is going to be phased out. It's a source of tax avoidance. That is going to happen on a world scale.

All countries in the world know cash money has run its race. Electronic transactions only. Less robberies less tax avoidance, saves billions in the upkeep and printing of paper money.

The upsurge of tax money will more than likely wipe the debt slate clean around the world.

Dearest Foxy,

You are probably right, that Dr di Natale has been subject to a witch-hunt over paying only $150 per week for his au pair. After all, even at the most economical, that au pair has been provided with a room at the equivalent of, say $ 100-150 per week, and food at, say, another $ 100-150 per week.

So really, that au pair is being paid the equivalent of $ 350-450 per week, for a seven-day working week (but probably barely six hours a day), which works out at somewhere between $ 7 and $ 10 per hour. Servants wouldn't get anywhere near that much in any Third World country. When I was at school and working after school, I got paid less than $ 1 per hour. In Mauretania, slaves get barely any more than accommodation and food, probably no actual cash at all.

So she should think of herself as lucky.

Love,

Joe

579, you are most likely right about cash, however, we need all the help we can get to stimulate our economy NOW.

I just think right now is poor timing, besides many of the perks have been brought about by a huge shortage in labour forces, but those days are now gone.

Foxy, it will be interesting to see the wash up of the green leaders payment to his nannies. In fact, given it has had very little 'air time', makes you wonder if it is common practice within the political ranks.

The Nannies debacle is a no show. There is no regulation as to AU pairs. They have written contracts, which sets out each others code of conduct. and the moneys they get is termed pocket money.

These people are not forced to come here they are here as a working holiday. They are sponsored by a host family in exchange for in home help.

What sort of news coverage with that knowledge would you like to hear. Read the rules your self.

AU pairs have been around for a lot of years in every country around the world.

Dear Joe (Loudmouth),

You appear to be having fun.

Enjoy!

//Sorry, I can't write any more on this subject, I've been threatened with sarcasm fines from Murdoch and Griffith Universities. And banned from the ARSE (Australian Registered Satirists' Enterprise) for failing the subtlety tests.//

I guess they dropped the charges then. I'd still tread carefully if I were you - ARSE have very strict guidelines on the flogging of dead horses.

I once recently had a early morning job of rolling newspapers and then delivering them.
3am start, miserable cold conditions in the winter, unserviceable company moke.
I tore my shoulder ligs and tendons and had to give it up.
The newsagent said it was my fault and he sacked me
I had to fight for Workers Comp because, despite the law, he and his mother had never had a workers policy.
Workcover came to the party when I threatened court action.
He was never charged by Workcover
He operated a major part of his business on a cash basis which was why when he was robbed twice by staff of $50000 he pressed no charges and why he limped around using a steel rod to move bundles of newspapers after he had previously had the same accident that I had and the previous worker.
Point. He didn't give a crap about his workers.
Most small business cry poor but take the cash home.
Why now so many Asian businesses with "CASH ONLY" signs out front.
Where the hell are the tax inspectors?

LM

I'm astounded that you have to bodgey up the number to protect Dinner Tally. Where on earth do you get that Dinner Tally's room is worth $150/day? There is a hotel close to where I live near the center of Sydney where accommodation is available on Wotif for less, and includes double bed, separate bathroom, tv and free Wifi.

My daughter's friend has a room in a sharehouse in central Sydney for $180/wk which is closer to what the room is worth. Add this to the wages and the au pair is getting less than $8/hr, still slave wages.

Dinner Tally like all greens and left whingers are big talkers, but when it comes to putting their own money where their mouth is, they are complete hypocrites and worse than those they oppose.

Hi SM,

Of course, that $ 150/day is notional, Dr di Natale wouldn't be charging her that much. But being an equitable sort of bloke, he probably gives her the option of occupying a room at that notional level, or commuting from Port Fairy or somewhere where she would have to actually pay for her accommodation. Similarly with food.

But notice that Dr di Natale doesn't charge anything for room and board, as far as I've heard. That $ 150 per week is entirely hers to do with as she likes, and she can always get out and have a walk around. Parts of the Otways would be beautiful at this time of year.

Gramscians are not all hard-hearted bastards, you know :)

Cheers,

Joe

Chris, that type of employment is far more widespread than people think. At my local 'Westfield' last Sunday, in the food court 9 outlets 'CASH ONLY' signs and 3 would take card, Macca's, KFC and Subway. The cash only is both ways, they take in cash and payout cash to workers and suppliers, never pay tax.

A bloke was offered a job, 'Offsider' on a delivery truck, with a contractor delivering and installing TV's for a big well known mob. $100 a day cash in hand. 7am pick-up, finish about 7 or 8pm lunch in between. The contractor bloke said "That's $100 on top of your dole!, and sometimes we get a good set to take away for a customer, we can flog that and split the cash! Give me your mobile and I'll call you when I need you!"

Any car wash, check what they pay people.

Hi Paul,

That $ 100 per day would be tax-free ? So - with the dole - that bloke's weekly after-tax income would be equivalent to around $ 1000 ? Is that right ? With all the expenses off daily living, that's not really much.

So Dr di Natale's $ 150 in cash, plus all the money-equivalent benefits, is looking pretty good :)

Cheers,

Joe

Loudmouth,

Even a "notional" value should have some basis in reality which the $150/d does not.

Commuting would not be feasible as the nearest communities are many miles away, and while walks in the country might be a drawcard for old fogies, for a young girl in her 20s that is a joke.

Dinner Tally was ripping off the au pair, he knows it, and so do we all.

Paul, as I predicted, you are bashing on Rehctub who is offering far more than the Greens leader did.

Hi Paul & SM,

To put Dr di Natale's contribution to multiculturalism and employment into perspective, here is an interesting article on modern slavery:

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/thousands-of-workers-in-australia-are-slaves-says-andrew-forrest/news-story/437172080ba71a31d8be15521cf87de5

Surely, Dr di Natale doesn't hang on to his au pair's passport ? Except for good reason ?

Cheers,

Joe

Hi Joe,

Yeah, about $900/week with a full week, which is not often. flog a set or two, a couple of $20 tips. The owner has it all worked out, let him know when you have a 'Centrelink' or 'Job Search' interview and he will accommodate, has others on his "books" to call to fill in. No hols, no sickies, no super, no compo. no LSL, no public hols, just cash, no tax of course, all benefits some on here don't believe should be paid anyway. The owner operates about 6 delivery vans, all in the same way. My point being who is benefiting the most from the dole, the offsider or the owner.

Met some young kids, French backpackers in Tassie in Feb, working fruit picking, nice kids, sleep in their car, cook on the park BBQ, did have their own gas set up, but prefer the free one in the reserve, hate the council ranger, and shower (sometimes) at the local swimming pool, laundromat the clothing (sometimes), living cheep. We met three of them in the pub, invited us to their "house" parked down by the reserve, had a sleep out, a tarp fitted to the car windows. They prefer the car, to the bus accommodation on the farms. Seen the bus accommodation at a raspberry farm, I think I would prefer the car house as well. The French girl was getting a bit despro (money running out) as the bloke wasn't giving her any more work, said she was too slow. Paid according to what they pick, as far as I know, they were happy with the fruit picking money. They would like to learn more English before returning home, their mums are very worried about them, a bit home sick, especially Elise's mum, writes home, and calls when she can. "T" let her use her phone to call mum in France.

Hi Paul,

You're right, Dr. di Natale's au pair probably has it really easy compared to those backpackers.

Now that the FWC has jacked up the minimum 40-hour wage to around $ 673, we can get a clearer picture of what Dr di Natale is contributing to his au pair's equivalent-wage: perhaps he will now pay her $ 156 a week, so we can clearly see that the other $ 500-odd is allocated to food and accommodation. While I would probably go through barely $ 250 a month for food, perhaps the au pair is a big girl, and a big eater. And as for accommodation, we have to remember that, for $ 250 a week, that au pair would be surrounded by pretty luxurious surroundings, not to mention access to some beautiful scenery, and some inspiring conversation.

$ 150 in cash, and the equivalent of $ 250 for food, and $ 250 for accommodation. Sounds sweet !

Cheers,

Joe

Loudmouth,

Why not pay her $650 then charge her 400/wk for accommodation and 250/wk for food? She should be happy at the privilege of working for room and board, chains and the occasional whipping would only be needed if she was lazy. - What do slaves work for?

Next employers can charge employees for office space, use of lunchroom and amenities etc. Green's policy of ripping off workers 101.

Shadow -

TRUE or FALSE:

1. Au pairs are not covered by Australia's wage regulation system.
2. Richard Di Natale paid his au pairs the going rate for a 25 hour week.
3. None of them have claimed they've been overworked or underpaid

Hi Aidan,

Spot-on ! Au pairs don't come under any award, so employers can pay them whatever they like, or nothing at all - which just goes to show Dr. di Natale's generosity.

And provided she can cram all of her duties into a 25-hour week, over seven days, say three and a half hours per day on child-minding, kitchen work, cleaning, etc., then she is not doing too bad on $ 150 - that's nearly $ 7 per hour for those 25 hours.

And au pairs must be having it pretty easy - otherwise, as you say, why aren't they complaining ?

Cheers,

Joe

Aidan, Loudmouth,

Here are the regulations that Dinner Tally ignored:

http://www.domesticpayroll.com.au/how-much-to-pay-your-nanny-per-hour/

1. At a minimum, the gross hourly rate for a nanny or au pair over 21 is $17.29 throughout Australia except for $17.52 in WA ( as at July 1 2014). This rate must be met, even for au pairs (unless it is a cultural exchange placement).

). The minimum hourly rates are reviewed each year July 1.

2. There is a general trend to a casualisation of the workforce and the definition of what a casual employee is, seems to be left deliberately vague. But the basic rule of thumb is an employee is casual, if there is no regular hours or promise of ongoing work.

There are advantages to hiring nannies as permanent employees, the main one being the ongoing employment works both ways and by hiring as a permanent employee your nanny is required to give notice on resignation.

3. Hiring a nanny as a casual, requires the casual loading of 25% through Australia except ( you guessed it) WA where the rate is 20% on top of the gross wage. This is replace the entitlement of annual and sick leave and paid public holidays.

4. Nannies on the whole prefer to be paid by the hour rather than on a set wage. This is due to a number factors, that there is no flexibility in their role on starting times and finishing times, the number of hours worked are usually quite long shifts and due to the nature of their role there is never a time when they are not working or on call.

5. Once your nanny works 30 hours or more a week, paying super becomes a statutory requirement. Superannuation is currently 9.5% of gross and will stay at that rate until 2021 and will then increase to 10%. Please note that if you have a fixed price that’s inclusive of super, once super is calculated the remaining balance has to meet the minimum hourly rates.

Hi SM,

Okay, points taken:

1. There IS an award covering au pairs, so much per hour yada yada;

2. They work long hours, irregular hours, seven days per week; if they employed as casuals, they are entitled to a 25 % loading;

3. They are entitled to super if they work more than 30 hours per week; and so on.

All that might be true, but clearly it's all built into what Dr. di Natale pays his au pair.

Jesus, crude satire is hard to keep up. Especially when reality trumps illusions. Especially when you start to suspect that people are taking you seriously.

Cheers,

Joe

LM,

For satire to work, it needs to be sufficiently different from when you are being serious.

Au pair wages are governed by the national minimum wages for casuals at $22/hr, and accommodation, if a requirement, of work cannot be deducted any more than your office space can be deducted from your salary. Meals could possible be deducted, but if prepared by someone else.

However you try to paint it, the reality is that Dinner Tally seriously underpaid his au pair, just as 7-11 underpaid their employees. What it does is destroys any credibility Dinner Tally had on this issue.

Hi SM,
I was vainly trying to impersonate a Greens supporter - I'm sorry, it won't happen again.

Cheers,

Joe

The underlying problem here is third person intervention, because as it stands an outsider is being encouraged to dob in a boss, regardless of the arrangement two people may have, and regardless of whether or not such arrangements are mutually agreeable.

This is where the problem lies.

By all means if one is unhappy, take it up, however, even the FWO will say something like, "we advise you speak to your boss before filing a complaint", why the sudden change.