The Fair Work Ombudsman has secured $11,000 in penalties in court against the former operator of a business that manufactured and sold wooden furniture in southern Queensland.
The Federal Circuit and Family Court imposed the penalties against sole trader Brenton Gietzel, who owned and operated 'Queensland Made' in Toowoomba.
The penalties were imposed in response to Mr Gietzel breaching pay slip laws and failing to comply with two Compliance Notices.
The Compliance Notices required Mr Gietzel to calculate and rectify any underpayments to four workers - including three young workers - he employed for various periods between January 2022 and October 2023.
The Court also ordered Mr Gietzel to take the actions required by the Compliance Notices, including calculating and rectifying any underpayments, plus interest and superannuation. The FWO estimates the four workers are owed approximately $38,000.
Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth said companies that failed to act on Compliance Notices needed to be aware they could face court-imposed penalties on top of having to back-pay workers.
"When Compliance Notices are not followed, we are prepared to take legal action to ensure workers receive their lawful entitlements," Ms Booth said.
"Employers also need to be aware that taking action to protect young workers, which can often include apprentices, is among our top priorities.
"Any employees with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free assistance."
The FWO investigated after receiving requests for assistance from four workers, one of whom was employed as a full-time apprentice cabinet maker and three who were engaged casually as a cabinet maker, labourer and joiner assistant.
The apprentice, the casual cabinet maker and joiner assistant were aged between 19 and 22 at the time of their employment.
A Fair Work Inspector issued two Compliance Notices to Mr Gietzel in 2023 after forming a belief he had underpaid each of the workers' minimum wages, owed under the Timber Industry Award 2020.
The inspector also formed a belief that the apprentice's public holiday, personal leave entitlements and annual leave entitlements were underpaid.
The business is no longer trading.
Employers and employees can visit www.fairwork.gov.au or call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 for free advice and assistance about their rights and obligations in the workplace.
