Fair Work Ombudsman
Citation: FWO-2025-06-18-redmond-litigation-media-release
At a glance
- Respondent
- Cleaning Excellence Pty Ltd trading as Cleaning Excellence
- Penalty
- $22,000
- Employees affected
- 12
What happened
The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against the Respondent, former owner and operator of Cleaning Excellence Pty Ltd, trading as Cleaning Excellence. The company, located in the Central Coast, Newcastle and Wagga Wagga areas of NSW, was deregistered in January 2024. It is alleged that the Respondent underpaid 12 cleaners a total of $22,411 between July 2019 and May 2022. Some workers were full-time, others casual, and four were young workers aged between 20 and 23. Allegations include failing to pay wages for up to three weeks, underpaying minimum wages, casual loading, night-shift penalty rates, and vehicle allowances, as well as annual leave, public holiday, and payment-in-lieu-of-notice entitlements. The Respondent also allegedly provided false pay slips and failed to comply with a Notice to Produce records. This is the second time the Fair Work Ombudsman has taken legal action against the Respondent.
What was decided
The Fair Work Ombudsman is seeking penalties against the Respondent for alleged underpayments and false pay slips. The court will determine the penalties, which could be up to $133,200 per serious breach and $13,320 per other breach. The Ombudsman also seeks an order for the Respondent to pay compensation to rectify the alleged underpayments. A directions hearing is scheduled for August 15, 2025. The Fair Work Ombudsman stated that workers’ rights will be enforced and employers face significant consequences for breaches.
What it means for employers
Employers must ensure they are paying employees correctly, including minimum wages, casual loading, penalty rates, and annual leave entitlements. Providing false pay slips and failing to comply with Fair Work Inspector requests are serious offences with significant penalties. Employers should be particularly aware of their obligations to protect vulnerable young workers.
What it means for employees
Employees who believe they have been underpaid or have concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free advice and assistance. Information and support are available through the Fair Work Infoline and website.
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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 →