The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) has launched legal action against Bulmer Farms Pty Ltd, a prominent vegetable grower in Victoria’s East Gippsland, for allegedly underpaying 28 migrant workers a combined total of more than $645,000.

Bulmer Farms, which produces lettuce, spinach, and broccoli in Lindenow, is accused of paying workers from Kiribati, Timor-Leste, and the Solomon Islands flat weekly salaries that failed to meet the legal minimums under the Horticulture Award 2010 and 2020.

According to the FWO, the alleged breaches occurred between December 2019 and December 2023, and affected workers employed under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme — a federal initiative designed to provide seasonal work opportunities for Pacific and Timor-Leste citizens.

Investigators claim Bulmer Farms paid employees between $884 and $1,105 per week based on a 38-hour week, but on many occasions required them to work significantly longer hours without the appropriate overtime pay. In some cases, workers allegedly clocked more than 50 hours per week, resulting in unpaid wages and lost entitlements.

The FWO alleges that 40 per cent of the total underpayments relate to unpaid overtime, while additional breaches include failure to pay for public holidays, leave, and minimum engagement periods. Workers were also allegedly subject to unlawful deductions covering airfares, health insurance, and accommodation.

Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth condemned the alleged underpayment practices, describing them as “entirely unacceptable.”

“Employees must be paid for every hour they work,” Ms Booth said. “Employers cannot rely on annualised salary arrangements that fail to account for all legal entitlements. The law demands transparency and fairness, especially when it comes to vulnerable migrant workers.”

Bulmer Farms could face penalties of up to $93,900 per breach if found liable. The company has already repaid $42,189 to affected workers following an internal review but faces further orders to repay the alleged balance, plus interest and superannuation.

A directions hearing is scheduled in the Federal Circuit and Family Court in Melbourne on 21 January 2026.

The FWO reminded employers that migrant workers have the same workplace rights as other Australian employees, and that visa protections are in place for those who report underpayment or exploitation.

Workers seeking advice or to report workplace issues can visit www.fairwork.gov.au or call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94, with an interpreter service available at 13 14 50.