Qantas Hit With $90 Million Penalty for Illegal Outsourcing During COVID-19

‘To deprive someone of work illegally is to deprive someone of an aspect of their human dignity,’ Justice Lee said.

People arrive at the Qantas domestic terminal at Sydney Airport in Sydney, Australia on Aug. 25, 2022. Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images

Australia’s largest airline has been ordered to pay a penalty of at least $90 million (US$58.7 million) for illegally outsourcing 1,800 ground handling jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the decision, handed down by Federal Court Justice Michael Lee on Aug. 18, $50 million of the fine should be paid directly to the Transport Workers Union (TWU), with the remaining $40 million to be determined at a later hearing.