Bundaberg Regional Council has proactively identified and is in the process of resolving an historic practice which saw some of its employees taking meal breaks at times that did not align with the requirements of its Certified Agreement.
The potential for some employee entitlements to have gone unidentified, and therefore unpaid, was discovered during a thorough review of the organisation’s new agreement which was certified in August 2025.
Council proactively launched an independent audit to review whether or not its employees had received their full entitlements.
Council also acted immediately to ensure all meal break practices meet all requirements under the Certified Agreement moving forward.
From the audit findings it is believed that the historic practice had been in place for a number of years and began when start and finish times were adjusted in some crews to minimise exposure to working in the heat of the day, without also adjusting their meal break times.
Council’s main priority in addressing this matter is ensuring its employees received the correct entitlements.
It is unclear exactly when the practice was established however we know it has been occurring over many years. The current audit investigations are focussed on the last six years.
Consultation has taken place with relevant stakeholders, including unions.
