Gold Coast-based Geoff Burke Golf Adventures fined $20,000 after Federal Workplace Ombudsman uncovered almost $10,000 in wage under-payments
Gold Coast-based Geoff Burke Golf Adventures has been fined $20,000 after the Federal Workplace Ombudsman uncovered almost $10,000 in wage under-payments.
The company received the fine in Brisbane’s Federal Magistrates Court, after it admitted to six breaches of the Workplace Relations Act.
Geoff Burke Golf Adventures allegedly under paid a casual truck driver’s casual hourly rate, overtime, weekend penalty rates, public holiday rates, night shift allowance and tea money between March 2006 and January 2007.
The truck driver was paid a flat rate of $15.50 for all hours worked, but was entitled to be paid up to $37.54 for some over-time hours.
In handing down his decision, Federal Magistrate Coker says Geoff Burke Golf Adventures had demonstrated little contrition.
He also says the company has been less than fully co-operative with the Workplace Ombudsman.
As a result, the business must pay the penalty in 10 monthly instalments of $2,000.
Workplace Ombudsman Executive Director Michael Campbell says the fine should serve as a strong warning to businesses large and small that they must comply with their lawful obligations to staff.
“The community and the Courts have demonstrated that society will not tolerate the exploitation of workers,” he says.