In most cases, employers are not allowed to deduct money from an employee’s pay or require them to pay back money. Deduction in employee salaries must be for valid reasons such as if the employee fails to provide the appropriate notice period as required by their award or when an overpayment is made. An employer can make deductions from an employee’s pay only when written agreement from the employee for their benefit is secured or the deduction is permitted by law, court order, or the Fair Work Commission, permitted by the employee’s award, or permitted by the employee’s registered agreement with their voluntary agreement.
In Australia, some work carried out by individuals may not result in monetary compensation. This is commonly referred to as unpaid work and is exemplified in vocational placements, unpaid job placements, internships, work experience, and trials. Such work serves different purposes, including providing job experience, training, and skills.