Fair Work Ombudsman
Citation: FWO-2025-07-10-karnati-and-baddam-litigation-media-release
At a glance
- Respondent
- Sai Enterprises Pty Ltd
- Penalty
- $2,337
- Employees affected
- 1
What happened
The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against Bharathi Karnati, a former commission agent of a United Petroleum outlet in Truganina, Victoria, and Ravikanth Baddam, the former manager of the outlet. They are accused of providing false pay slips and underpaying an Indian international student employed as a casual console operator. The student was allegedly paid as little as $14 per hour, significantly below the minimum wage of $28.38 per hour, resulting in an underpayment of $2,337. The underpayment has been rectified. Further record-keeping breaches are also alleged.
What was decided
The Fair Work Ombudsman is seeking penalties from Bharathi Karnati and Ravikanth Baddam for allegedly providing false pay slips and record-keeping breaches. Ms. Karnati faces penalties of up to $13,320 per contravention, and Mr. Baddam faces similar penalties. A directions hearing is scheduled for July 21, 2025, in the Federal Circuit and Family Court. This action is part of a broader investigation into United Petroleum-branded outlets.
What it means for employers
Employers must ensure accurate pay slips are provided to employees and maintain proper time-and-wages records. Knowingly falsifying pay slips is a serious offense with significant penalties. Employers should be aware of the Fair Work Ombudsman’s focus on protecting migrant worker’s rights and ensuring compliance with workplace laws.
What it means for employees
Migrant workers have the same workplace rights as all other Australian workers. Employees should check their pay slips to ensure they are being paid correctly and contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for assistance if they have concerns about their entitlements. Providing information to the Fair Work Ombudsman can help protect other workers.
Every statement above is drawn from the published decision. Read the original here:
https://www.fairwork.gov.au/newsroom/media-releases/2025-media-releases/july-2025/20250710-karnati-and-baddam-litigation-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 →