Monash University Faces Legal Setback as NTEU Wins Wage Theft Case

Union Triumphs in Monash Wage Theft Case, Penalties Expected to Reach Millions

In a significant advancement for labour rights within Australian higher education, the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) has secured what it terms a landmark victory in a wage theft case against Monash University. The case centred on unpaid compensation for student consultation work performed by casual academic staff, reflecting broader concerns over casualisation and fair pay. Although final figures for back payments and penalties are yet to be confirmed, the ruling was welcomed as a key step forward.

According to Dr Ben Eltham, NTEU Monash branch president, the decision validates the lived experiences of thousands of underpaid casual staff and highlights their essential teaching contributions. He noted that this case is the third instance of wage theft involving Monash since 2021, with the university having admitted to underpaying over 9,000 employees by more than $17.6 million. Eltham also raised alarm over governance shortcomings, citing repeated underpayment as symptomatic of deeper management issues.

Echoing these concerns, Sarah Roberts, NTEU Victorian division secretary, described the ruling as a major victory and a warning to other institutions. She criticised Monash’s history of underpayment and called for accountability and full restitution. Roberts reaffirmed the union’s commitment to combating wage theft across the sector. The University of Melbourne was also cited as an example, having repaid $72 million to more than 25,000 staff and agreed to an enforceable undertaking with the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth reiterated that tackling systemic underpayment in universities has long been a priority and expressed willingness to work closely with university leadership to ensure compliance with employment laws. Meanwhile, NTEU national president Dr Alison Barnes urged both federal and state governments to intervene decisively. She argued that wage theft and precarious employment underscore the urgent need for comprehensive governance reforms aimed at holding university executives accountable.

Dr Barnes advocated for structural changes to prevent future violations and establish clearer mechanisms for oversight and enforcement. The NTEU has indicated that the cumulative penalties and back payments linked to this ruling may amount to millions of dollars. This case underscores the pressing need for fair labour practices and robust governance within Australia’s university sector.

Editor’s Note:

The recent ruling against Monash University in a wage theft case is an important moment for how staff are treated in Australian universities. The decision recognises the hard work of casual academic staff, who have often not been paid fairly, even though they play a key role in supporting students. The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) helped bring attention to this problem, showing that underpayment is not just a mistake but part of a bigger issue in the university system. This is the third time Monash has faced such a case, raising serious questions about how the university is being managed. This ruling also sends a clear warning to other universities, especially since places like the University of Melbourne have faced similar problems. The involvement of the Fair Work Ombudsman and calls for action from governments show that wage theft is more than just a legal problem; it’s a sign that the system needs fixing.

Skoobuzz firmly believes that universities now need to take real steps to follow workplace laws, treat their staff fairly, and rebuild trust. Only by making honest changes and supporting fair work can they truly live up to their role of serving students and staff with respect.