As part of a Board-led organisation-wide review of remuneration arrangements, North Queensland Airports has self-disclosed errors in its payroll to the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) today.
The self-initiated payroll review involved a full audit that has been verified by external accountants and employment law experts. The audit identified historical errors in the interpretation and application of some employment entitlements.
North Queensland Airports is now in the process of making payment corrections to all affected current and former employees. All payments will be made in full (including interest for the relevant period) this week to current employees. Former employees affected by the payment errors are being contacted. North Queensland Airports Chief Executive Officer Richard Barker said the errors were a result of historical administrative oversights in the interpretation and application of certain Enterprise Agreement and individual contract conditions. Any underpayment of entitlements was unacceptable, he said.
“We deeply regret and apologise for these errors and have moved swiftly and decisively and taken all appropriate steps to remedy any underpayments,” Mr Barker said.
“I care about what has happened here because our employees are the backbone of our airports. They are without a doubt our biggest assets and have weathered the storm of our industry’s challenges over the past twelve months with incredible tenacity and commitment.
“’North Queensland Airports takes its obligations as a local employer extremely seriously and our employees deserve to have confidence in their employment terms and conditions.
“We’ve been proactive in identifying these errors and will be working with FWO to ensure we comply with all requirements,” Mr Barker said.
Anyone seeking further information or clarification can contact hr@cairnsairport.com.au or call the information line 0401 772 463.