Fair Work Ombudsman
Citation: FWO-2022-03-18-housego-penalty-media-release
At a glance
- Penalty
- $15,984
- Employees affected
- 6
- Awards cited
- MA000173
What happened
Vanessa Joan Housego, the former owner-operator of Riverway Burgers in Townsville, Queensland, has been penalised by the Federal Circuit and Family Court. This followed her failure to back-pay entitlements to six workers, including three who were under 18, between March 2020 and August 2020. A Fair Work Inspector issued Compliance Notices, which Ms. Housego did not follow. The business is no longer operating.
What was decided
The Federal Circuit and Family Court imposed a $15,984 penalty on Vanessa Joan Housego for failing to comply with Compliance Notices. The court ordered her to fully back-pay the six workers all outstanding entitlements. Judge Egan found she showed no contrition and the penalty was needed to deter future non-compliance. The Fair Work Ombudsman emphasised the consequences of ignoring Compliance Notices and ongoing focus on the fast food sector.
What it means for employers
Employers must comply with Compliance Notices issued by the Fair Work Ombudsman. Failure to do so can result in court-imposed penalties and the obligation to back-pay workers. The Fair Work Ombudsman is actively monitoring the fast food, restaurant, and café sectors.
What it means for employees
Employees who believe they have been underpaid or are not receiving their correct entitlements should contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free advice and assistance. Interpreter services are available.
Every statement above is drawn from the published decision. Read the original here:
https://www.fairwork.gov.au/newsroom/media-releases/2022-media-releases/march-2022/20220318-housego-penalty-media-releaseWant more cases like this?
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This summary was drafted by AI from the published decision and reviewed before publishing. It is general information, not legal advice. For your specific situation, speak to the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified lawyer. About these summaries & corrections →