The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against the operators of a shed building company in Queensland.
Facing court are Pandanaut Projects Pty Ltd, which has operated businesses trading as 'Frame Up' and 'Nuview Builders' based at Redcliffe, and the company's sole director and majority shareholder David Carter.
The regulator investigated after receiving a request for assistance from a worker that Pandanaut Projects employed on a full-time basis as a construction worker in October-November 2022.
A Fair Work Inspector issued a Compliance Notice to Pandanaut Projects in July 2023 after forming a belief the company had failed to pay the worker any wages for 46 hours of work he performed, owed under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020.
The inspector also formed a belief that the worker was not paid his accrued but untaken annual leave entitlements at the end of his employment and was not paid one week's wages in lieu of notice of termination, owed under the Fair Work Act's National Employment Standards.
The Fair Work Ombudsman alleges Pandanaut Projects, without a reasonable excuse, failed to comply with the Compliance Notice, which required the company to calculate and back-pay the worker's entitlements. It is alleged Mr Carter was involved in the contravention.
It is alleged that the amount the company was required to pay to comply with the Compliance Notice was $4,087.
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 to take steps to comply with a Compliance Notice including calculating and back-paying entitlements," Ms Booth said.
"Employers should also be aware that improving compliance in the building and construction industry is a priority for the FWO.
"Any employees with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact us for free advice and assistance."
The FWO is seeking a penalty against Pandanaut Projects Pty Ltd and Mr Carter in court for the alleged failure to comply with the Compliance Notice. The company faces a penalty of up to $46,950 and Mr Carter faces a penalty of up to $9,390.
The regulator is also seeking a court order requiring the company to comply with the Compliance Notice including calculating and rectifying any outstanding entitlements, plus superannuation and interest.
A directions hearing is listed in the Federal Circuit and Family Court in Brisbane on 20 November 2025.
