1. Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) – Anonymous Tip-Off

The FWO is the national regulator. Their “Anonymous Report” tool is the gold standard for students who want to alert authorities without being part of a formal legal case.

• The Process: You fill out a simple online form. You do not have to provide your name, TFN, or visa details.
• What Happens: The FWO uses these “tips” to build a map of crooked businesses. If multiple students report the same café or shop, the FWO will launch a surprise raid (audit).
• 2026 Update: The form is now available in 16 languages, including Hindi, Chinese, and Punjabi.
• Link to Anonymous Form

2. Wage Inspectorate Victoria (The Criminal Taskforce)

In Victoria, deliberate wage theft is a crime punishable by jail time. The Wage Inspectorate is the state-based body that hunts down “dishonest” employers.

• The Process: You can submit a “Tip-off” regarding underpayment, withheld long-service leave, or falsified records.
• The Power: Unlike the national ombudsman, this Victorian body can lead to criminal charges against your boss.
• Why it’s Safe: They prioritize the investigation of the employer’s crimes over the worker’s visa status.
• Link to Victorian Tip-Off Tool

3. Migrant Workers Centre (The Student Advocate)

Located in Carlton (near the UniMelb/RMIT precinct), this is a non-government organization that specializes in protecting international students.

• The Process: While they are not a government regulator, you can contact them for confidential advice. They can help you submit an anonymous report to the authorities on your behalf, acting as a “buffer” to protect your identity.
• The 2026 Benefit: They run the Know Your Rights project funded by Study Melbourne. They can tell you exactly how much you are owed in back-pay before you report.
• Contact: (03) 7009 6710 or visit 54 Victoria St, Carlton.

2026 Reporting Comparison Table

4. The 2026 “Assurance Protocol” (Your Visa Shield)

Many students fear that reporting a boss will get them deported if they worked more than 48 hours (the April 2026 limit).

• The Rule: Under the Assurance Protocol between the FWO and the Department of Home Affairs, the government will not cancel your visa for working extra hours if you are reporting a workplace exploitation case, provided you commit to following your visa rules in the future.
• The Reality: Your boss cannot “cancel” your visa. Only the Department of Home Affairs can do that, and they are currently prioritizing catching exploitative employers over punishing students.