Australian Sports Commission revealed to have underpaid over 300 casual staff in 2020

A staff entitlement review into the payments of casual staff in September 2020 by the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) found 377 people were underpaid.

As reported today by the ABC, of those, 315 current and former staff have received outstanding funds and 11 will receive payments next week.

Commenting on the underpayment, a spokesperson advised "the ASC continues to try and contact the remaining 51 individuals."

Noting that the Australian Sports Commission did not reveal how much it owed staff, the spokesperson stated "we are not in a position to disclose the financial terms at present.

"The ASC began processing payments to casual staff that were paid the incorrect ASC1 level minimum hourly rate in July."

Two casual staff members at the Australian Institute of Sport's (AIS) Aquatic and Fitness Centre, which is operated by the ASC, reported as being underpaid in March 2021 received $1,300 and $800 for back pay last year.

Both sought advice from the Fair Work Ombudsman.

The ASC launched a review into payments to casual staff in September 2020 and has told those affected that they would be reimbursed for any outstanding back pay once the review was complete.

It also said work was being done to ensure salary rates and allowances were correct moving forward.

The spokesperson told the ABC "issues relating to the underpayments were resolved in February 2022," 

Staff at the AIS are employed under the ASC's enterprise agreement.

The agreement must match pay rates set by the Australian Government Industry Award and some staff are also eligible for allowances under the Fitness Industry Award.

Image. Credit: AIS FB