Fair Work Infoline: 13 13 94
Media Release
26 Oct 2009
Company penalised $8500 for underpaying
Toowoomba worker
A Toowoomba company which paid one of its staff just $6.66 an hour has been
fined $8500 following a prosecution by the Fair Work Ombudsman.
The Federal Magistrate’s Court in Brisbane has imposed the penalty against
Amalgamated Marketing Pty Ltd, which trades under that name and as radio
station 4WK.
The company admitted underpaying a full-time advertising consultant $15,000
over 19 months in 2006 and 2007.
Amalgamated Marketing admitted paying the consultant substantially below the
Federal Minimum Wage and not paying her for some hours worked.
The company paid the consultant wages of just $250 a week, or just $6.66 an
hour. The Federal Minimum Wage was $12.75 to $13.74 during the relevant
period.
After the consultant lodged a complaint, the Fair Work Ombudsman repeatedly
asked Amalgamated Marketing to back-pay the employee, but it failed to do so
until after legal proceedings commenced earlier this year.
Fair Work Ombudsman Queensland Director Julie Wade says the case sends a
message to companies that they cannot simply ignore requests to rectify
underpayments when they are identified.
“The Fair Work Ombudsman takes its role of protecting workers’ rights seriously
and we do not hesitate to pursue companies who fail to respect those rights,” Ms
Wade said.
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, Director Media & Stakeholder Relations. 0419 818 484.
craig.bildstien@fwo.gov.au
Ryan Pedler, Senior Adviser Media & Stakeholder Relations. (03) 9954
2561, 0434 365 924. ryan.pedler@fwo.gov.au
NEWS 
