9/4/2020 'It's everywhere': the foreign students exposing Australia's wage theft epidemic | Australia news | The Guardian Similar numbers for other starts are hard to come by, but accounting firm PWC used a similar approach last year to calculate the loss at a national level, and estimated to be in range of $1.35bn. “We a smaller labour market and fewer total numbers of workers who are vulnerable, but I worry about South Australia becoming very vulnerable to wage theft, more so than everywhere else,” Cavanough says. “We’re not the focus of the fair work ombudsman and east coast policy makers to act on this issue. “If we become a soft touch for wage theft in South Australia, some of the dodgy operators are going to be looking at this state as the place to do business.” • Names have been changed Since you're here ... ... we have a small favour to ask. Millions are flocking to the Guardian for quality news every day. We believe everyone deserves access to factual information, and analysis that has authority and integrity. That’s why, unlike many others, we made a choice: to keep Guardian reporting open for all, regardless of where they live or what they can afford to pay. As an open, independent news organisation we investigate, interrogate and expose the actions of those in power, without fear. With no shareholders or billionaire owner, our journalism is free from political and commercial bias – this makes us different. We can give a voice to the oppressed and neglected, and stand in solidarity with those who are calling for a fairer future. With your help we can make a difference. We’re determined to provide journalism that helps each of us better understand the world, and take actions that challenge, unite, and inspire change – in times of crisis and beyond. Our work would not be possible without our readers, who now support our work from 180 countries around the world. Every reader contribution, however big or small, is so valuable for our future. Support the Guardian from as little as $1 – and it only takes a minute. Thank you. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/sep/03/its-everywhere-the-foreign-students-exposing-australias-wage-theft-epidemic 4/6