Skip to main content
FairWorkMate

Wage Theft

Criminal wage theft prosecutions and large-scale underpayment enforcement actions.

100 wage theft decisions on file. Plain-English summaries with links to the original judgment. Ask the AI advisor about your situation — Plus members get full case-law citations in answers.

FCA4 May 2026

Rogers v McDonald’s Australia Ltd

[2026] FCA 542 · Federal Court

A class action was filed in the Federal Court of Australia in 2023 on behalf of current and former managers at corporate-owned and franchisee-owned McDonald's restaurants. The claim covers the period 6 December 2017 to 3

FWO15 Apr 2026$194,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2026-04-16-luck-bird-eu-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman has entered into an Enforceable Undertaking with The Luck Bird Pty Ltd, trading as Carlucci’s Restaurant in Templestowe, Melbourne. The restaurant underpaid 38 employees, including visa holders an

FWO24 Mar 2026$41,254

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2026-03-25-hoppers-trailer-pty-ltd-cn-penalty-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

Hoppers Trailer Pty Ltd, a Melbourne-based trailer manufacturer, and its sole director, Gurpinder Singh, have been penalised by the Federal Circuit and Family Court. This followed a failure to comply with a Compliance No

FWO17 Mar 2026$166,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2026-03-18-lha-and-fwo-yarra-valley-compliance-issues-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Labour Hire Authority (LHA) and Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) held a forum in Healesville on March 17, 2026, with local growers, industry groups, and labour hire companies. This followed a compliance operation by the LHA

FWO5 Mar 2026$42,799

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2026-03-06-shinya-torquay-hr-pty-ltd-and-shinya-geelong-hr-pty-ltd-compliance-notice-penalty-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

Shinya Geelong HR Pty Ltd and Shinya Torquay HR Pty Ltd, former operators of ramen restaurants in Geelong and Torquay, Victoria, have been penalized for failing to comply with Compliance Notices. The Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO2 Mar 2026$2,600,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2026-03-03-uniting-communities-incorporated-eu-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

Uniting Communities Incorporated, a South Australian community services provider, will return over $2.6 million in underpayments to approximately 1,500 current and former employees. The underpayments occurred between Nov

FCA27 Feb 2026$55,000

Ioakimidis v Lygon Court Travel Pty Ltd (No 2)

[2026] FCA 176 · Federal Court

A worker named Ioakimidis brought a case in the Federal Court of Australia against Lygon Court Travel Pty Ltd and two associated individual respondents. The case concerned alleged breaches of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth)

FWO25 Feb 2026$162,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2026-02-26-sadamatsu-litigation-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against Katsuyoshi ‘Ken’ Sadamatsu, a former part-owner and manager of the ‘Miso World Square’ Japanese restaurant in Sydney. It is alleged that between June 2020 and Se

FWO24 Feb 2026$87,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2026-02-25-villa-romana-eu-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman investigated Villa Romana restaurant in Cairns, owned by Mesa 3 Pty Ltd and Helen Papagelou (as trustees of the Ex-RPH Trust). An investigation, following a 2023 inspection, found the restaurant u

FCA1 Feb 2026

Chambers v Broadway Homes Pty Ltd (No 2)

[2026] FCA 28 · Federal Court

Ms Chambers brought a general protections claim against Broadway Homes Pty Ltd after her employment was terminated. She alleged she was dismissed because she exercised, or proposed to exercise, workplace rights, includin

FWO26 Jan 2026$93,900

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2026-01-27-korserv-litigation-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against Korserv Pty Ltd, a Queensland-based labour hire provider, and its manager, Janghwan Choi. This action follows an audit of pay rates at a strawberry farm in the G

FWO13 Jan 2026$213,120

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2026-01-14-unsw-penalty-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman secured a penalty against the University of New South Wales (UNSW) for record-keeping failures. Between 2017 and 2022, UNSW failed to keep records for 63 casual academic employees, including hours

FWO16 Dec 2025$645,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2025-12-17-bulmer-farms-litigation-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against Bulmer Farms Pty Ltd, a vegetable farm in Lindenow, Victoria. The farm allegedly underpaid 28 migrant workers from Kiribati, Timor Leste, and the Solomon Islands

FWO10 Dec 2025$76,387

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2025-12-11-gami-chicken-cn-penalty-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman secured penalties and back-pay orders against Vanna Taing, Brandon Bui, and Gary Lai, former operators and a human resources employee of a Gami Chicken & Beer franchise outlet ('Gami-Southland') i

FWO24 Nov 2025$1,900,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2025-11-25-queensland-university-of-technology-eu-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

Queensland University of Technology (QUT) has paid over $1.9 million to 433 staff members who were underpaid. The underpayments occurred at campuses in Gardens Point and Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, across five faculties. Aff

FWO20 Nov 2025$450,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2025-11-21-phillip-island-souvenirs-penalty-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

Phillip Island Souvenirs Pty Ltd, operating 'U-Neek Souvenirs & Motorsport' in Cowes, Victoria, underpaid three retail assistants a total of $40,000 between October 2018 and December 2020. The company's sole director and

FWO17 Nov 2025$46,950

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2025-11-18-gch-vic-pty-ltd-and-anor-cn-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman has taken legal action against GCH Vic Park Pty Ltd, which previously operated 'The Globe Pan and Grill' in East Victoria Park, Perth, and its director, Jay Patel. A Fair Work Inspector issued a C

FWO6 Oct 2025$185,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2025-10-07-employers-warned-over-dodgy-job-ads-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) has issued warnings to employers advertising jobs with illegal pay rates. Since laws were introduced to prevent this, employers have paid over $185,000 in fines. In 2023-24, 156 infringement

FWO1 Oct 2025$67,347

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2025-10-02-lroc-builders-pty-ltd-and-oliver-cn-penalty-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman took legal action against LROC Builders Pty Ltd and its director, Lachlan Robert Oliver, for failing to comply with Compliance Notices. Four carpenters were impacted, employed between December 201

FWO18 Sept 2025$48,500

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2025-09-19-mccrystal-agricultural-penalty-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

McCrystal Agricultural Services Pty Ltd, a Queensland labour hire business and sweet potato farm, and its sole director Russell McCrystal, have been penalised for unlawfully deducting pay from migrant employees. The Fair

FWO3 Sept 2025$118,800

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2025-09-04-suburban-sydney-visa-monitoring-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) and Australian Border Force (ABF) conducted surprise inspections of approximately 40 businesses in Sydney, including Blacktown, Cabramatta, Chatswood, the Hills District, Hurstville, and Par

FWO1 Sept 2025$116,550

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2025-09-02-aaa-aussie-emergency-glass-and-boehm-penalty-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

AAA Aussie Emergency Glass Pty Ltd, operating in Beenleigh, Queensland, and its director Michael Ronald Boehm, have been penalised by the Federal Circuit and Family Court. This follows a Fair Work Ombudsman investigation

FWO28 Aug 2025$350,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2025-08-29-250826-ato-and-fwo-media-release-op-sentinel · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) conducted surprise visits to over 30 food sector and hospitality businesses in Darwin between August 26 and 28, 2025. This was part of Operation Sentinel

FWO27 July 2025$46,950

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2025-07-28-mezzaco-trading-pty-ltd-and-karl-haidenbauer-cn-litigation-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against Karl Haidenbauer and Mezzaco Trading Pty Ltd, former operators of the 'Six Ain’t Seven' café in North Parramatta. A Fair Work Inspector issued a Compliance Notic

FWO21 July 2025$150,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2025-07-22-blumentals-litigation-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against David Mark Blumentals, the former owner-operator of D365.Group Pty Ltd, an IT services company liquidated in 2023. The company provided services related to Micro

FWO16 July 2025$44,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2025-07-17-kassiou-construction-penalty-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

Kassiou Constructions Pty Ltd, a residential building and construction company based in Winnellie, Darwin, and its director, Ilias Kassiou, have been penalised by the Federal Circuit and Family Court. This followed a Fai

FWO14 July 2025$100,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2025-07-15-kosu-litigation-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against Kosu Group Pty Ltd, which previously operated Yakiniku Kosu restaurant in Castle Hill, Sydney, and its sole director and part-owner, Sean Lee. They are accused o

FWO8 July 2025$62,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2025-07-09-din-tai-fung-case-study-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

Guoyong “Jet” Liu, a visa holder, worked at Din Tai Fung in Sydney between July 2014 and May 2018. He and 16 other employees, primarily migrants from China and Indonesia, were deliberately underpaid. Jet felt pressured t

FWO24 June 2025$760,405

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2025-06-25-horticulture-strategy-report-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) conducted a three-year Horticulture Strategy (2021-2024) inspecting over 500 employers across 15 regional hotspots. Inspections targeted farms, orchards, and labour hire providers. The Morni

FWO18 June 2025$220,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2025-06-19-sunshine-coast-frac-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman is conducting inspections of 34 fast food outlets, restaurants, and cafés in Noosa Heads, Noosaville, and Tewantin, Sunshine Coast. The inspections began on June 18, 2025. They aim to check for un

FWO11 May 2025$46,950

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2025-05-12-veens-ligitation-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against Veens Group Pty Ltd, a housing construction company based in Harrington Park, Sydney, and its sole director, Dasi Shi. A Fair Work Inspector issued a Compliance

FWO4 May 2025$802,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2025-05-05-mr-viet-penalties-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman secured penalties and compensation after Mr Viet Quoc Mai and Ms Huong Le, operators of two 'Mr Viet' Vietnamese eateries in Adelaide, underpaid 36 migrant workers. The workers, mostly Vietnamese

FWO13 Apr 2025$76,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2025-04-14-townsend-inc-eu-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

Townsend House Inc, a South Australian charity providing allied health services, self-reported workplace non-compliance to the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) in April 2023. An investigation revealed that eighty employees were

FWO3 Apr 2025$46,950

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2025-04-04-hoppers-trailer-litigation-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman has taken legal action against Hoppers Trailer Pty Ltd, a Melbourne trailer manufacturer, and its sole director, Gurpinder Singh. A Fair Work Inspector issued a Compliance Notice in August 2023 af

FWO2 Apr 2025$1,000,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2025-04-03-sabcha-litigation-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against Sabcha Pty Ltd, which operates 11 P’Nut Street Noodles restaurants in Sydney, Brisbane, and the Sunshine Coast, and one of its directors, Ankur Sehgal. It is all

FWO26 Mar 2025$80,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2025-03-27-newtown-and-enmore-frac-investigations-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman is conducting surprise inspections of 20 fast food outlets, restaurants, and cafés in Newtown and Enmore, Sydney. The inspections began on March 26, 2025. Inspectors are interviewing managers and

FWO17 Feb 2025$5,600,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2025-02-18-relationships-australia-qld-eu-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

Relationships Australia Queensland (RAQ), a not-for-profit organisation providing support services across Queensland, has back-paid over 980 current and former employees more than $5.6 million. The underpayments occurred

FWO16 Feb 2025$179,221

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2025-02-17-klm-gupta-penalty-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

KLM Foods Pty Ltd and Loveleen Gupta were penalized for underpaying four migrant workers at two United Petroleum-branded outlets in Sandy Bay and Kingston, Tasmania, between December 2020 and February 2021. The workers,

FWO6 Feb 2025$41,250

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2025-02-07-echuca-kebabs-litigation-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman has taken legal action against Echuca Kebabs Pty Ltd and its sole director, Zekeriye Bilir. This followed a request for assistance from a worker employed between 2017 and 2022. A Fair Work Inspect

FWO22 Jan 2025$127,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2025-01-23-rj-cornish-eu-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

R J Cornish & Co. Pty Ltd, a fruit grower in Cobram and Muckatah, Victoria, made unlawful wage deductions totaling $126,859 from the wages of 112 employees between July 2017 and June 2024. The deductions were for power l

FWO15 Jan 2025$900,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2025-01-16-navasardyan-litigation-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against Sergey Stanislavovich Navasardyan, the former operator of Griffon Alpha Group Pty Ltd, a now deregistered security company in Perth. It is alleged that Mr. Navas

FWO22 Dec 2024$5,000,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2024-12-23-blue-sky-kids-land-penalty-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

Blue Sky Kids Land Pty Ltd, a children’s clothing retailer operating in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, and its directors Guo Dong Gu and Fei Rong Yang, have been penalised for exploiting four Chine

FWO11 Dec 2024$23,000,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2024-12-12-university-of-sydney-eu-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The University of Sydney signed an Enforceable Undertaking with the Fair Work Ombudsman after identifying underpayments totalling more than $23 million to more than 14,000 staff, including superannuation and interest. Th

FWO8 Dec 2024$72,000,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2024-12-09-uni-of-melbourne-eu-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The University of Melbourne signed an Enforceable Undertaking with the Fair Work Ombudsman after identifying it had underpaid more than 25,000 staff a total of $72 million, including superannuation and interest. Most aff

FWO5 Dec 2024$104,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2024-12-06-melotte-penalty-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

Louise Maree Melotte and her husband, Travis Francis Melotte, operated Hotel Frangos and Café Koukla in Daylesford, Victoria. They deliberately underpaid 97 staff a total of $321,202 between May 2017 and July 2019. The u

FWO4 Dec 2024$450,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2024-12-05-brisbane-frac-recoveries-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman investigated 51 fast food outlets, restaurants, and cafés in southern Brisbane. These inspections, part of a national Food Precincts Program, found 44 businesses (86%) breached workplace laws. A t

FWO25 Nov 2024$132,840

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2024-11-26-chatime-franchisor-penalty-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman investigated Chatime Australia Pty Ltd, a franchisor of Chatime bubble tea stores, and its managing director, Chen 'Charlley' Zhao. Between August and December 2016, employees at 19 Chatime stores

FWO24 Nov 2024$61,796

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2024-11-25-p49-collingwood-penalty-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

P49 Collingwood Pty Ltd, which operated 'Project 49' in Collingwood, and its sole director, Rocco Esposito, have been penalized by the Federal Circuit and Family Court. The Fair Work Ombudsman investigated after a worker

FWO18 Nov 2024$310,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2024-11-19-adelaide-west-frac-recoveries-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman investigated 36 fast food outlets, restaurants, and cafés in Adelaide's western suburbs. Inspections were based on intelligence from various sources, including anonymous reports. Investigations fo

FWO22 Sept 2024$117,190

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2024-09-23-first-step-finance-penalty-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

First Step Finance Pty Ltd, a Sydney-based finance and mortgage-broking company, and its sole director and secretary, David Brian Ward, have been penalised by the Federal Circuit and Family Court. This followed a Fair Wo

FWO17 Sept 2024$100,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2024-09-18-om-shiva-penalty-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

Om Shiva Foods Pty Ltd, trading as Wulagi Supermarket in Darwin, and its sole director Vinay Madasu, have been penalized by the Federal Circuit and Family Court. This followed a Fair Work Ombudsman investigation into und

FWO16 Sept 2024$167,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2024-09-17-lamattina-penalty-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

A & G Lamattina & Sons Pty Ltd, a celery producer based in Boneo, Victoria, has been penalized by the Federal Circuit and Family Court for underpaying three migrant employees. The employees, who held bridging visas and s

FWO8 Aug 2024$41,250

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2024-08-09-ella-group-litigation-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against The Ella Group (NSW) Pty Ltd, which operates Funtime Childcare in Greenacre, and its sole director, Louise Ramona Yaacoubian. The action follows a request for as

FWO7 Aug 2024$217,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2024-08-08-cairns-food-outlets-wage-recoveries-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman investigated 35 food outlets in Cairns, including fast food restaurants, cafes, and cheap eats venues. The investigations, prompted by anonymous reports, found 23 businesses, or 74%, breached work

FWO5 Aug 2024$15,300,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2024-08-06-sushi-bay-penalty-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Federal Court imposed record penalties of $15.3 million against the former operators of the Sushi Bay outlets in NSW, Darwin and Canberra after the Fair Work Ombudsman proved they deliberately exploited vulnerable mi

FWO31 July 2024$58,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2024-08-01-south-east-melbourne-food-outlets-wages-recoveries-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman investigated 32 food businesses in south-east Melbourne, including venues in Bentleigh, Carnegie, and Clayton. These inspections followed intelligence from various sources, including anonymous rep

FWO9 July 2024$46,950

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2024-07-10-workplace-medical-consultants-litigation-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against Workplace Medical Consultants Pty Ltd and its director, David Zammitt. The company provided patient transport services in Sydney. A worker was employed as a full

FWO8 July 2024$247,540

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2024-07-09-cfmeu-yatala-prison-penalty-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) and three officials, Wyatt Raymount, Travis Brook, and Desmond Savage, have been penalised for unlawful conduct at a construction site in Adelaide. The site

FWO3 July 2024$220,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2024-07-04-sunshine-coast-frac-recoveries-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman investigated 21 food outlets in the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, including restaurants and cafes in Noosa Shire. Inspections were prompted by reports. Investigations found 13 businesses (68%) breac

FWO1 July 2024$68,440

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2024-07-02-art-of-hair-litigation-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against The Art of Hair–Bateau Bay Pty Ltd, Cheri Rance, and Nelvin Lal, operators of a hairdressing salon in Bateau Bay, New South Wales. The action follows a request f

FWO25 June 2024$149,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2024-06-26-acug-eu-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

A.C.U.G. (NSW) Pty Ltd and A.C.U.G. (SA) Pty Ltd, part of the Australian Container Unloading Group (ACUG), have signed an Enforceable Undertaking (EU) with the Fair Work Ombudsman. They failed to pay minimum hourly rates

FWO24 June 2024$89,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2024-06-25-job-ads-crackdown-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) has issued 151 infringement notices (fines) to employers since March 2023 for posting job advertisements with illegally low pay rates. One example involved a hospitality business advertising

FWO12 June 2024$280,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2024-06-13-newcastle-frac-recoveries-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman investigated 43 food outlets in Newcastle, New South Wales, following anonymous reports. The inspections focused on fast food, restaurant, and café businesses. Investigations found breaches of wor

FWO6 June 2024$86,674

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2024-06-07-winton-jacob-penalty-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

Winton Jacob International Pty Ltd, trading as 'C de C Shoes' with stores in Sydney, failed to back-pay a retail worker and issue pay slips. The company and its sole director, Winton Guo, received a request for assistanc

FWO14 May 2024$4,200,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2024-05-15-open-minds-australia-eu-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

Open Minds Australia Limited, a disability support charity, has back-paid approximately $4.2 million to around 1,507 current and former employees for underpayments. The underpayments occurred between July 2015 and July 2

FWO12 May 2024$1,000,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2024-05-13-foot-thai-penalty-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman secured $966,890 in penalties against Colin Kenneth Elvin, his former company Foot & Thai Massage Pty Ltd, and Jun Millard Puerto. This followed a civil case involving seven Filipino workers who w

FWO28 Apr 2024$160,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2024-04-29-lotus-farm-penalties-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman investigated Lotus Farm Pty Ltd, a tomato and cucumber farm in Werribee South, Victoria, after receiving requests for assistance from two former employees. The employees, who were pickers and pack

FWO9 Apr 2024$4,000,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2024-04-10-dtf-world-square-penalty-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

DTF World Square Pty Ltd and Selden Farlane Lachlan Investments Pty Ltd, former operators of Din Tai Fung restaurants in Sydney and Melbourne, have been penalized for underpaying vulnerable migrant workers. The Fair Work

FWO8 Apr 2024$2,300,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2024-04-09-on-the-run-eu-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman investigated On the Run Pty Ltd (OTR), a service station and convenience store operator with locations in South Australia, Victoria, and Western Australia, following employee queries. An investiga

FWO25 Mar 2024$236,100

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2024-03-26-asa-personnel-litigation-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against ASA Personnel Pty Ltd, a labour-hire company operating in Victoria and Queensland, its director Steven Lloyd Richardson, and its payroll manager Peter Crilly. An

FWO14 Feb 2024$10,340,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2024-02-15-cba-penalty-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Federal Court imposed record penalties of $10.34 million against the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and its subsidiary Commonwealth Securities Limited (CommSec) after the Fair Work Ombudsman proved the companies had

FWO13 Feb 2024$680,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2024-02-14-gungahlin-and-queanbeyan-food-precincts-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman is conducting surprise inspections of approximately 20 food businesses in Gungahlin and Queanbeyan, New South Wales. These inspections are part of a national program targeting food precincts. They

FWO5 Feb 2024$350,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2024-02-06-migrant-workers-case-study-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

Shi Yuen Wong, a Hong Kong national on a working holiday visa, worked at Winit (AU) Trade Pty Ltd, a Sydney warehouse and distribution company. He realised he wasn't being paid correctly, particularly overtime rates. Aft

FWO1 Feb 2024$400,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2024-02-02-mr-viet-litigation-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against Mr Viet Quoc Mai and his wife, Huong Le, who operate two Vietnamese eateries in Adelaide. They are accused of allegedly underpaying 36 workers, primarily Vietnam

FWO4 Jan 2024$46,950

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2024-01-05-krc-litigation-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman has taken legal action against KRC Pty Ltd, which operates The Colonel's Son café in Black Rock, Melbourne, and its manager, Rishi Chaudhari. The action follows a request for assistance from a for

FWO20 Dec 2023$171,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2023-12-21-cfmeu-coles-distribution-penalty-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) and two officials, Andrew Blakeley and Luke Gibson, faced legal action from the Australian Building and Construction Commissioner (ABCC). The case involved

FWO19 Dec 2023$4,400,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2023-12-20-st-vincents-health-eu-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

St Vincent’s Health Australia, a large not-for-profit health and aged care provider, self-reported underpayments to the Fair Work Ombudsman in July 2021. Four of its businesses – St Vincent’s Private Hospitals Ltd, St Vi

FWO14 Dec 2023$124,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2023-12-15-more-than-skin-penalty-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman took legal action against More Than Skin Pty Ltd, which operated The Noshery café in Glebe, Sydney, and its co-directors, Lila and Lupo Stojcevski. The company and individuals failed to comply wit

FWO12 Dec 2023$52,039

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2023-12-13-lroc-builders-litigation-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman has taken legal action against Lachlan Robert Oliver, the former operator of LROC Builders Pty Ltd and L.R. Oliver Carpentry, both based in Carrum Downs, Victoria. The action follows requests for

FWO20 Nov 2023$70,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2023-11-21-tran-and-dong-penalty-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

Xuan A Tran and Quang Manh Dong, a husband-and-wife partnership operating 'Vina Yummy Kitchen' in Hobart, have been penalised by the Federal Circuit and Family Court. They admitted to underpaying two employees—Ms Tran’s

FWO30 Oct 2023$164,635

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2023-10-31-upper-esb-second-penalty-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman took legal action against Upper East Side Bondi Pty Ltd, a former Bondi bar and restaurant, and its former director, Julia Rose Gelonese. This followed a request for assistance from a worker and i

FWO22 Oct 2023$2,100,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2023-10-23-calvary-administration-eu-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

Calvary Administration Pty Ltd, formerly Japara Administration Pty Ltd, has back-paid over $2.1 million in underpayments to approximately 2,800 current and former employees. The underpayments occurred between January 201

FWO17 Oct 2023$316,860

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2023-10-18-ag-omnibus-october-2023-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) has conducted inspections of 447 agriculture businesses across 15 regional areas of Australia since December 2021. These inspections targeted areas with a high risk of non-compliance. The FW

FWO15 Oct 2023$550,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2023-10-16-winit-penalty-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

Winit (AU) Trade Pty Ltd, a Sydney-based company providing warehousing and distribution services, underpaid nearly 400 employees, primarily migrant workers, between 2014 and 2019. The Fair Work Ombudsman investigated aft

FWO3 Oct 2023$68,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2023-10-04-shiva-foods-litigation-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against Om Shiva Foods Pty Ltd, trading as Wulagi Supermarket, and its sole director, Vinay Madasu. The action follows a request for assistance from a casual retail assi

FWO25 Sept 2023$66,600

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2023-09-26-unsw-litigation-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) has commenced legal action against the University of New South Wales (UNSW). The FWO alleges UNSW breached workplace laws between 2017 and 2022. These breaches include failing to keep proper

FWO30 Aug 2023$98,302

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2023-08-31-agile-litigation-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against Adelaide-based security company Agile Group (Global) Pty Ltd and its head of group operations, Justin Benjamin James Brinkies. An investigation began in January

FWO30 Aug 2023$99,132

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2023-08-31-il-roy-litigation-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman has taken legal action against Il Roy Pty Ltd, which operated 'Cha Cha Char' and 'Il Centro' restaurants in Brisbane, and its sole director, Bingqi Zhao. Five workers, including an office manager,

FWO29 Aug 2023$91,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2023-08-30-lamattina-litigation-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against A & G Lamattina & Sons Pty Ltd, a celery producer based in Boneo, Victoria. Three farmhands who held bridging visas and spoke Indonesian and Malay, alleged they

FWO21 Aug 2023$72,800

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2023-08-22-mother-dough-penalty-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman investigated Champagne or Wine Pty Ltd, which operates the 'Mother Dough' Italian restaurant in Hawthorn, Melbourne, following a request for assistance from a young waiter. The waiter was employed

FWO14 Aug 2023$375,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2023-08-15-polytrade-penalty-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman secured $375,515 in penalties against Polytrade (now PT 349 Pty Ltd), PTES 928 Pty Ltd, and company owners Man Sang Chen and Pui Shan Ho. Five migrant workers employed at waste management faciliti

FWO6 Aug 2023$332,964

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2023-08-07-stadium-cleaners-penalty-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman investigated underpayments to 25 stadium cleaners at Marvel Stadium (formerly Etihad Stadium) in Melbourne. The cleaners were paid unlawfully low flat rates between February and June 2017, resulti

FWO24 July 2023$70,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2023-07-25-cepu-penalty-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Communications, Electrical, Electronic, Energy, Information, Postal, Plumbing and Allied Services Union of Australia (CEPU) faced legal action from the Australian Building and Construction Commissioner (ABCC). The ca

FWO18 July 2023$4,860,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2023-07-19-apollo-eu-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

Apollo Health Limited, a healthcare provider owned by St John Ambulance Western Australia Limited, has back-paid over $4.86 million to 438 current and former employees. The company self-reported underpayments discovered

FWO16 July 2023$1,250,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2023-07-17-bakers-delight-franchisor-litigation-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against Bakers Delight Holdings Pty Ltd, the Australian franchisor of the Bakers Delight chain. The action relates to alleged underpayments totaling $1.25 million to 142

FWO12 July 2023$54,264

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2023-07-13-rainbow-wholefoods-penalty-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

Rainbow Wholefoods Pty Ltd, a health food retailer based in Lismore, northern NSW, has been penalised for failing to pay compensation to two unfairly dismissed workers. A manager and a shop assistant, employed since 2015

FWO4 July 2023$106,431

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2023-07-05-nq-powertrain-penalty-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

NQ Powertrain Pty Ltd, a labour-hire company based in Far North Queensland, has been penalised by the Federal Circuit and Family Court. The company admitted to breaching workplace laws by underpaying 87 visa holders a to

FWO21 June 2023$1,200,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2023-06-22-crown-eu-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

Crown Melbourne and Crown Perth, casino and resort operators, have back-paid over $1.2 million to approximately 200 current and former employees. This followed self-reported underpayments to the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO)

FWO7 June 2023$90,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2023-06-08-sharetea-audits-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman investigated 14 Sharetea franchise outlets after receiving reports of potential underpayments. The investigation, which began in April 2022, involved stores in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Can

FWO4 June 2023$140,000

Fair Work Ombudsman

FWO-2023-06-05-carnarvon-cleaners-penalty-media-release · Fair Work Ombudsman

Carnarvon Cleaners Pty Ltd, a contract cleaning company based in Carnarvon, Western Australia, and its sole director and shareholder, Margaret Herlysha Seaton, have been penalized by the Federal Circuit and Family Court.