The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against the operator of a Perth boat repair and servicing company and its director.
Facing court is Threshold Boats Pty Ltd, which is located in Belmont, and the company's sole director and owner, Thomas Ebeling.
A Fair Work Inspector issued a Compliance Notice to Threshold Boats in September 2024 after forming a belief the company had underpaid the minimum wages and annual leave entitlements of two former workers. One was employed as a manager and the other as a mechanic.
The wages and entitlements were allegedly owed under the Clerks-Private Sector Award 2020, the Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award 2020, and the Fair Work Act's National Employment Standards.
The Fair Work Ombudsman alleges Threshold Boats, without a reasonable excuse, failed to comply with the Compliance Notice, which required it to calculate and back-pay the workers' entitlements.
It is alleged the total amount the company was required to pay to comply with the Compliance Notice was $7,749.
It is alleged Mr Ebeling was involved in the contravention.
The regulator investigated after receiving a request for assistance from the two workers, who the company employed on a full-time basis between March 2022 and March 2024.
Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth said the regulator would continue to enforce workplace laws and take businesses to court where lawful requests are not complied with.
"Where employers do not comply, we will take appropriate action to protect employees. A court can order a business to pay penalties and make payments to workers," Ms Booth said.
"Any employees with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact us for free advice and assistance."
The FWO is seeking penalties in court for the alleged failure to comply with the Compliance Notice. Threshold Boats Pty Ltd faces a penalty of up to $93,900 and Mr Ebeling faces a penalty of up to $18,780.
The regulator is also seeking an order requiring the company comply with the Compliance Notice, including paying the alleged outstanding amounts to the workers, plus superannuation and interest.
A directions hearing is listed in the Federal Circuit and Family Court in Perth on 20 March 2026.
