No, it is not legal in Australia for an employer to compel an employee to undertake unpaid work as a punishment for misconduct. Australian employment law is governed by various regulations, including the Fair Work Act 2009, which outlines employees’ rights and entitlements.

Employers must follow proper disciplinary procedures when addressing misconduct, and any disciplinary action taken must be fair and reasonable. Punishment should be proportionate to the misconduct and should not involve unpaid work. Instead, employers can take actions such as formal warnings, suspension (with pay), or termination of employment, depending on the severity of the misconduct.

If an employer attempts to impose unpaid work as a punishment, it could be considered a breach of the Fair Work Act, as employees have a right to be paid for all hours worked. Such actions may also lead to claims of unfair dismissal or workplace bullying, which can result in legal ramifications for the employer.

Employees who believe they are being subjected to such unlawful practices should seek advice from relevant authorities, such as the Fair Work Ombudsman, or consider consulting a legal professional.