Fair Work Ombudsman
Citation: FWO-2026-04-17-hamze-cn-penalty-media-release
At a glance
- Penalty
- $22,017
- Employees affected
- 3
- Awards cited
- MA000173, MA000174
What happened
Salem Hamze, the former sole director and part-owner of Lortoc No. 60 Pty Ltd, has been penalised $22,017 by the Federal Circuit and Family Court. The company previously operated a café called ‘Hakuna Ma’Coffee’ and a food and beverage kiosk called ‘Ric & Co’ in Redcliffe, Queensland. Three workers, two part-time food and beverage attendants and one full-time fast-food employee, were allegedly underpaid. The Fair Work Ombudsman investigated after receiving a request for assistance from the workers, who were employed between September 2022 and March 2023. The company failed to comply with a Compliance Notice and breached pay-slip laws.
What was decided
The Federal Circuit and Family Court imposed a $22,017 penalty on Salem Hamze for breaches of pay-slip laws and failure to comply with a Compliance Notice. The Compliance Notice required Lortoc No. 60 Pty Ltd to calculate and back-pay entitlements to three workers. The Fair Work Ombudsman secured this penalty after an investigation revealed underpayment of minimum wages, penalty rates, and annual leave entitlements. The company and Mr Hamze also failed to provide proper pay slips. Hakuna Ma’Coffee and Ric & Co are now closed and Lortoc No. 60 Pty Ltd has been deregistered.
What it means for employers
Businesses, particularly in the fast food, restaurant, and café sectors, must act on Compliance Notices issued by the Fair Work Ombudsman. Failure to do so can result in significant court-imposed penalties. Employers should ensure they are meeting their obligations regarding minimum wages, penalty rates, annual leave, and providing accurate pay slips.
What it means for employees
Employees who believe they have been underpaid or are experiencing issues with their pay or entitlements should contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free assistance. Information and resources are available on the Fair Work Ombudsman’s website and through the Infoline.
Every statement above is drawn from the published decision. Read the original here:
https://www.fairwork.gov.au/newsroom/media-releases/2026-media-releases/april-2026/20260417-hamze-cn-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 →