Illegal Workers Spark Immigration Probe

The Department of Immigration is investigating who hired 14 illegal Indonesian workers arrested near Stanthorpe in southern Queensland yesterday.
They were caught on the state's southern border as part of a joint police and Immigration Department operation, and it is believed they were working in the horticulture industry.
Department spokeswoman Cian Manton says it is following a number of inquiries and that big fines apply for hiring illegal workers.
"Sometimes people do directly employ workers but oftentimes we do find that people may go through a third party, a labour hire contractor or intermediary, to source their workers," Ms Manton said.
"People who are convicted relating to these matters face fines of up to $13,000 and two years imprisonment.
"Individuals and companies can face fines of up to $66,000 per illegal worker, so we are talking about serious penalties here for serious matters."
The Immigration Department is reminding employers to check the status of their workforce.
Twelve workers have been transferred to Brisbane and will be deported as soon as possible.
The other two have been given bridging visas and are making their own arrangements to leave.