CWA SUPPORTS NEW FAIR WORK AGENCY TO COMBAT MODERN SLAVERY IN NON-COMPLIANT HAND CAR WASHES

The Car Wash Association (CWA) strongly supports for the government’s proposal to establish a Fair Work Agency aimed at enforcing workers' rights and addressing illegal employment practices. This new agency, as part of the Employment Rights Bill, will consolidate various enforcement bodies under one umbrella, empowering them to take decisive action in high-risk sectors like non-compliant hand car washes.

"We welcome the creation of a single enforcement body with the authority to intervene in non-compliant hand car washes," said Brian Madderson, Chair of the CWA. "These operations, widely reported as high-risk for exploitation, are areas where immediate and decisive action is essential. In a modern society, there is no place for modern slavery, and the CWA has long been deeply concerned about the illegal practices and blatant disregard for health and safety standards prevalent in these establishments."

"With Anti-Slavery Day coinciding tomorrow, it is a timely reminder of the urgent need to combat modern slavery across all sectors. Non-compliant hand car washes often serve as hotbeds for modern slavery, money laundering, and tax evasion, as they frequently ignore employment. This agency's focus on illegal employment is a critical step in protecting vulnerable workers from exploitation."

"The CWA is committed to supporting the Government ensuring that victims of modern slavery are safeguarded. We are hopeful that this agency will deliver the swift and effective action necessary to eliminate illegal employment practices within the car wash industry."