Fair Work Ombudsman
Citation: FWO-2022-11-11-bj-jones-litigation-media-release
At a glance
- Respondent
- Local Newsroom
- Penalty
- $5,600
- Employees affected
- 18
- Awards cited
- MA000063
What happened
The Fair Work Ombudsman commenced legal action against the Respondent, the former operator of 'Local Newsroom', a regional newspaper. An inspector investigated after receiving requests for assistance from workers employed between August and October 2020. It was alleged the Respondent underpaid 18 workers, including 15 journalists and three advertising employees, failing to pay minimum wages under the Journalists Published Media Award 2020 and the Commercial Sales Award 2020. He was issued Compliance Notices, which he allegedly failed to follow.
What was decided
The Federal Circuit and Family Court imposed a penalty of $5,600 on the Respondent for failing to comply with two Compliance Notices. The court ordered the penalty be distributed to the underpaid employees to partially rectify their underpayments. The Fair Work Ombudsman is seeking further penalties, up to $6,660 per contravention, at a directions hearing. A directions hearing is scheduled for November 2022.
What it means for employers
Employers must comply with Compliance Notices issued by the Fair Work Ombudsman. Failure to do so can result in significant penalties and being ordered to pay those penalties to affected employees.
What it means for employees
Employees who believe they have been underpaid or are concerned about their entitlements should contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free advice and assistance.
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This summary was drafted 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 →