Farm inspections aim to protect workers and honest businesses on Mid North Coast

Key points

• Federal and state regulators have inspected berry farms and labour hire businesses across the Coffs Harbour and Nambucca Valley regions. The two-day operation, known as Operation Brambles, targets suspected wage underpayments, unsafe conditions and unfair business practices.
• A 2025 report by the Fair Work Ombudsman found 61 per cent of employers assessed in the Coffs Harbour and Grafton region did not meet their obligations under the Fair Work Act. Regulators are investigating possible breaches, including illegal phoenix activity.
• No findings from the latest inspections have been released.