WA is the only state that never referred its industrial relations powers. Sole traders, partnerships and the state system, explained - and why the answer decides everything downstream: awards, minimum wages, unfair dismissal and more.

Since 1 January 2025, intentionally underpaying an employee's wages or entitlements is a criminal offence under the Fair Work Act. Not a civil penalty, not a back-pay order with interest - a crime, carrying potential imprisonment for individuals and substantial fines for companies.