Border Force accused of breaching health and safety after staff incentivised to forgo sick leave for bonuses

An allowance worth 60% to 63% of the base rate pay is given to marine unit officers if they take 18 days or fewer of leave in a financial year

Border Force has been warned that bonus allowances for seagoing staff are deterring workers from taking sick leave, leading them to risk their physical and mental health.

The seagoing commuted allowance is paid to Australian Border Force officers in the marine unit, and is worth between 60% and 63% of their base rate of pay.