Queensland’s workplace ombudsman is to investigate allegations of underpayment of workers in the horticulture industry around Bundaberg, in the south-east of the Australian region.

The ombudsman has met Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable growers to discuss nine allegations made against organisations in the area, according to local press reports.

Half the allegations are against growers, and the other half against harvesting contractors.

“By and large the allegations are as follows: one, underpayment of wages; two, the absence of payment of superannuation; and three, concerns over whether PAYE tax is being remitted to the Australian tax office,” said Queensland Workplace Rights Ombudsman commissioner Don Brown.