CAIRNS, Australia (16 Nov 2007) -- Queensland's workplace ombudsman has launched an investigation into claims young scuba-diving trainees are working for as little as $30 a day. The investigation will also probe claims dive industry trainees are being put in charge of scuba-diving customers and that interns are working 10-hour days for meagre wages. Workplace Rights Ombudsman Don Brown said the industry would be in need of "serious attention" if the complaints were found to be true. "I have received allegations that some trainees are paid as little as $30 for a 10-hour day," Mr Brown said. "In one case in particular a Cairns dive operator engaged 'dive industry internees' for $30 a day, supplemented by on-site training. "A condition of the the agreement was that 'public holidays, Saturdays, Sundays and overtime are not granted ... they are provided for in your allowances and courses'." Mr Brown said the investigation would begin in Cairns on December 10 with a series of interviews with employers and workers during the week. The Queensland Workplace Rights Hotline can be contacted on 1300 737 841. SOURCE - Brisbane Times | 
