Fair Work Infoline: 13 13 94
Media Release
14 Oct 2009
Ballarat employer fined more than $105,000 for
underpaying apprentice
A
Ballarat roofing company and its director have been fined more than $105,000
for underpaying a young apprentice roof tiler.
The penalty follows a prosecution by the Fair Work Ombudsman in the Melbourne
Magistrates’ Court.
S & J Roofing Pty Ltd has been fined $92,400 and the company’s sole owner and
director Stephen Walters, of Ballarat, a further $13,200.
Magistrate Franz Holzer also ordered the company to back-pay the apprentice
more than $15,000 in outstanding wages.
S & J Roofing underpaid the apprentice when it employed him from November,
2005 to July, 2008. He was aged 22 to 25 at the time.
The company underpaid the apprentice’s minimum hourly rate, industry
allowances and annual leave entitlements and failed to make any contributions to
his superannuation fund.
After the apprentice lodged a complaint, Fair Work inspectors repeatedly asked
Walters to back-pay the apprentice but he failed to do so.
Fair Work Ombudsman Executive Director Michael Campbell says the case is
particularly serious because it involves a significant underpayment of a low-paid,
young worker.
“The fine imposed in this case sends a strong message that companies and
individual directors cannot get away with ripping-off young workers,” Mr Campbell
said.
“We treat cases of young workers’ rights very seriously and will not hesitate to
pursue any employers who we find exploiting this vulnerable group.”
The Fair Work Ombudsman promotes harmonious, productive and co-operative
workplaces. It also monitors compliance and investigates breaches of national
workplace laws.
Employers or employees seeking assistance should contact the Fair Work Infoline
Media inquiries:
Craig Bildstien, 0419 818 484. craig.bildstien@fwo.gov.au
Ryan Pedler, (03) 9954 2561, 0434 365 924. ryan.pedler@fwo.gov.au
NEWS 
