The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against a Western Sydney plumbing company and its director.
Facing court are Rapid Plumbing Group Pty Ltd and the company's sole director, Scott Mahboub.
The regulator investigated after receiving a request for assistance from a young worker Rapid Plumbing Group employed as a plumber on a full-time basis between July and October, 2022. The worker was aged 22 at the time.
A Fair Work Inspector issued a Compliance Notice to Rapid Plumbing Group in February 2023 after forming a belief the company failed to pay the worker the industry allowance, plumbing trade allowance and special fixed allowance, owed under the Plumbing and Fire Sprinklers 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, owed under the Fair Work Act's National Employment Standards.
The Fair Work Ombudsman alleges Rapid Plumbing Group, without reasonable excuse, failed to comply with the Compliance Notice, which required it to calculate and back-pay the worker's entitlements.
It is alleged Mr Mahboub was involved in the contravention.
Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth said the regulator would continue to enforce workplace laws and take businesses to court where lawful requests were 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 be aware that taking action to protect young workers, who may be vulnerable, and improving compliance in the building and construction industry are priorities for us.
"Any employees with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact us for free advice and assistance."
The FWO is seeking a penalty against Rapid Plumbing Group Pty Ltd and Mr Mahboub in court for the alleged failure to comply with the Compliance Notice. The company faces a penalty of up to $41,250 and Mr Mahboub faces a penalty of up to $8,250.
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 Sydney on 3 February 2026.
The Fair Work Ombudsman recovered nearly $16.5 million in unpaid entitlements for employees across the entire building and construction sector between 10 November 2022 and 30 June 2025. (The FWO resumed responsibility for regulating Fair Work Act compliance in the commercial building and construction sector on 10 November 2022.)
