Operator also fined for not acting on Compliance Notices
The operator of a pastoral business in central Queensland has back-paid his three former employees nearly $10,000 after underpaying them in 2020.
Troy Malcolm Sawdy, the sole trader who operated a business trading as Sawdy Pastoral Company, back-paid his former staff approximately $9,448, plus superannuation.
The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) said the three employees were owed their minimum wages, overtime rates, and annual leave entitlements when they worked for Sawdy between July and December 2020.
According to the FWO, Sawdy made the payments after legal action was taken against him for not acting on two Compliance Notices handed to him by a Fair Work Inspector.
Acting on Compliance Notices
The Compliance Notices ordered Sawdy to calculate and back-pay entitlements to the three employees.
The operator, however, didn't comply prompting the FWO to launch legal action against him.
"When Compliance Notices are not followed, we will continue to take legal action to protect employees. Employers who fail to act on these notices risk substantial penalties and back-pay orders," said Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth in a statement.
As a result, the Federal Circuit and Family Court also fined Sawdy with $7,400 for not acting on the two Compliance Notices.
