Ningaloo Reef Tourism Pay Claims Put Spotlight on Marine Work Conditions

Allegations of underpayment and poor working conditions in Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef tourism sector have entered the public spotlight following recent reporting by ABC News, raising broader questions about labour practices in marine tourism.

According to the ABC’s investigation, a number of current and former workers on whale shark and reef tour boats operating out of Exmouth have alleged they were paid below award rates, worked long hours without overtime, or were treated as contractors rather than employees. The claims come from guides, photographers, deckhands and hospitality staff who spoke to the broadcaster about their experiences working in one of Australia’s most high-profile marine tourism destinations.

The ABC reported that some workers claimed they earned as little as a few dollars per hour once unpaid hours were factored in, particularly during peak whale shark season, when long days on the water are common. Several former employees told the broadcaster they believed the structure of pay and contracts used by some operators may not comply with Australian workplace laws.

Importantly, the reporting makes clear that the allegations have not yet been tested in court. The ABC stated that operators named in the investigation either denied wrongdoing, disputed the claims, or said they were cooperating with regulators. Some businesses reportedly told the broadcaster they believed their pay arrangements were lawful or that they relied on advice from accountants and lawyers.

The issue has now moved beyond individual grievances. As reported by the ABC, the Maritime Union of Australia has confirmed it has been contacted by marine tourism workers regarding alleged underpayment and is assisting some of them in pursuing the matter. The Fair Work Ombudsman has also been notified, although no formal findings have been announced at this stage.

While the ABC’s report focuses specifically on Ningaloo Reef tour operations, the story has resonated more widely within the diving and marine tourism community. Seasonal work, remote locations, and a steady supply of young or international workers are common features across the sector, conditions that workplace experts have previously warned can increase the risk of wage non-compliance.

For Ningaloo Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed destination celebrated for its whale shark encounters and pristine marine environment, the allegations add a human dimension to discussions about sustainable tourism. The ABC reporting highlights a tension familiar across adventure tourism industries, balancing commercial pressures during short peak seasons with legal and ethical obligations to staff.

At this stage, the story remains one of scrutiny rather than conclusions. As the ABC noted, investigations are ongoing, and any determination of wrongdoing will rest with regulators or the courts. What is clear, however, is that the reporting has prompted renewed attention on how marine tourism workers are paid, classified and protected in one of Australia’s most iconic dive regions.

For the wider scuba diving and marine tourism industry, the coverage serves as a reminder that reputations are shaped not only by environmental stewardship and guest experience, but also by how the people working behind the scenes are treated.