Convenience store chain 7-Eleven says it didn't know workers were being exploited at its outlets.
But Senators grilling 7-Eleven chairman Russell Withers at a public hearing didn't seem to believe him.
"I'm a little incredulous here," Senator Deborah O'Neill said on Thursday.
"I find it impossible ... to believe that your payroll system, in 2015, is so inadequate you are unaware that 69 per cent of your franchisees, as of July-August, were operating in a way that is not compliant."
Mr Withers said the management had no knowledge of the exploitation of workers.
"I can assure you that there is no cover-up," he said.
The chain has faced allegations up to two-thirds of its stores underpaid international students, and threatened them with deportation if they reported it.
The inquiry has been adjourned until November when a public hearing will be held in Canberra.
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