By Juliano Oliveira
Fearing the action of scammers, the Queensland Government has released a five-point plan directed to stop the action of unlawful groups offering training programs to job seekers.
As part of the plan, actions will be taken starting with an independent investigation by the Queensland Training Ombudsman.
Training Minister Shannon Fentiman said she asked the Queensland Training Ombudsman to crack down on ‘bait advertising’.
“I’ve got a clear message for scammers who are tricking jobseekers into training programs – we’re coming after you,” Ms Fentiman said.
“That’s why I’ve asked the Ombudsman to make this issue his number one priority between now and the end of the year.”
Queensland is also willing to review penalties for scammers found to have illegally tricked workers.
“The Minister [Annastacia Palaszczuk] has also asked me to review penalties awarded to perpetrators and to report back to the government. This is to ensure deterrents are strong enough to weed out this practice,” Ms Fentiman.
“These scammers are in the minority. This is a very small group of unscrupulous operators who are taking advantage of job seekers.
“I urge anyone who believes they have been tricked into a training program to phone the Training Scammer hotline on 1800 773 048.”
Any complaints can be lodged either through the hotline or online: https://trainingombudsman.qld.gov.au/