Media grabs: Operation Flint

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO), Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) and Department of Home Affairs’ Australian Border Force (ABF) have joined forces to investigate labour hire providers and protect workers in the agricultural industry, particularly the horticulture sector, in Griffith, New South Wales.

Assistant Commissioner Tony Goding speaks to Operation Flint media grabs. More information is available in the media release: Griffith crackdown ignites as Operation Flint targets horticulture non‑compliance.

Earlier this week, the Australian Taxation Office, Fair Work Ombudsman and Australian Border Force joined forces in Griffith, New South Wales, targeting labour hire providers suspected of exploiting vulnerable workers in the agricultural sector. We visited about 15 farms to ensure compliance with tax, super, workplace and immigration laws.

We’re here in the food bowl of the Riverina, with the Fair Work Ombudsman and Australian Border Force investigating suspected unlawful practices by labour hire providers. We’ve conducted surprise visits to farms across Griffith, New South Wales, because outsourcing labour doesn’t mean outsourcing responsibility. Farmers need to know exactly who they’re dealing with and how their workforce is being paid and treated. If the cost of labour is unusually cheap, there’s usually a reason behind it.

Operation Flint brings together the Australian Taxation Office, Fair Work Ombudsman and Australian Border Force to shine a light on labour hire arrangements across Griffith's agricultural sector. We've visited farms, speaking with businesses and workers to ensure everyone is being given a fair go. Most businesses are doing the right thing, but those who deliberately ignore their obligations undermine worker protections and gain an unfair advantage over honest operators. By working together and sharing intelligence as part of the Shadow Economy Taskforce, we can identify risks earlier, target the right areas and take stronger action to stamp out dodgy practices.

Just as a small spark can signal a growing fire, what might initially appear to be an isolated case of non-compliance can often point to broader patterns of behaviour across a region or industry. That's why actions like Operation Flint matter. We are working together to strike at the source, using data, community intelligence and on-the-ground action to uncover what’s really going on. Our message is clear: if you're doing the wrong thing, we'll find you, it’s not a matter of if but when. By acting early, we can protect workers, support honest businesses and help ensure unlawful operators don't take root in communities like Griffith.

Griffith is one of Australia's success stories, but strong industries depend on strong integrity. What we don't want is a situation where workers are doing the hard yards while someone else is cutting corners behind the scenes. There's no place here for operators who seek to profit through exploitation or by ignoring their obligations. Those businesses don't just harm workers – they create an unfair advantage over honest businesses that are doing the right thing. Operation Flint is about protecting workers from exploitation and ensuring a level playing field.

If a labour hire deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Outsourcing labour doesn't mean outsourcing responsibility. Farmers need to understand who they're working with, how workers are being paid and whether legal obligations are being met. When labour is being supplied at unusually low rates, that's often a sign that corners are being cut somewhere. Dodgy operators don't just rip off workers; they create an unfair advantage over honest growers who are following the rules. That's why asking questions and understanding your labour arrangements is so important.

If you think a business is ripping off the tax and super system or their workers, you can report it. Making a tip-off to the ATO only takes a few minutes and you can remain anonymous. Visit us at www.ato.gov.au/tipoff or call 1800 060 062.

Images

A high-resolution headshot of ATO Assistant Commissioner Tony Goding ATO Assistant Commissioner Tony Goding (JPEG, 893KB)This link will download a file is available from the ATO media centre.