FWBC is not pursuing any investigation into alleged breaches of entry conditions at the NSW Bomaderry Ethanol Plant.

Following media reports on January 22 that a site was shut down over alleged 457 visa issues, FWBC took preliminary steps into the issue in order to determine whether further inquiries were warranted. This is standard practice when the agency becomes aware of potential irregularities.

As the initial steps involved allegations of 457 visa breaches, on the same day FWBC contacted the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) and referred this investigation to them. FWBC also contacted the Overseas Workers Unit at the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Office (FWO). A three-agency investigation was then commenced.

As part of its initial steps, FWBC requested copies of the Right of Entry Notices presented by the CFMEU officials when they entered the site.

Having conducted preliminary inquiries of the site entry issue, FWBC concluded that it was not in the public interest to pursue the matter, and the FWBC investigation has closed.

It is standard practice for complaints to be considered by FWBC and preliminary inquiries conducted before a decision is made to progress or close the investigation down. Standard procedures upon becoming aware of potential irregularities were followed in this matter.

N. Hadgkiss, 

Director, 

Fair Work Building & Construction.