This information is only relevant to employers and employees in the WA state industrial relations system.

About this page

• This page provides details on the provisions prohibiting employers compelling an employee to accept goods, accommodation or other services of any kind instead of money as part of the employee’s pay (‘payment in kind’).
• Employees who wish to make a complaint about unpaid wages or entitlements should visit the Making a Complaint about unpaid wages or entitlements page.

Provisions in the Minimum Conditions of Employment Act dealing with the payment of wages prevent an employer from directly or indirectly compelling an employee to accept goods, accommodation or other services of any kind instead of money as any part of the employee’s pay.

Enforcement action can be taken in the Industrial Magistrates Court against an employer who fails to pay an employee in full.  It can impose a penalty of up to $13,000 (or $130,000 in the case of a serious contravention) for individuals or a penalty of up to $65,000 (or $650,000 in the case of a serious contravention) for bodies corporate.