Fair Work Infoline: 13 13 94
Media Release
24 March 2010
Melbourne environmental services company
allegedly underpaid workers $40,000
The Fair Work Ombudsman has launched a prosecution against a Melbourne
environmental services company, alleging it owes 10 workers more than $40,000.
Facing court is Village Green Environmental Solutions Pty Ltd and the company’s
manager and sole director Douglas Brent Smith, of Camberwell.
Documents lodged in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court allege Mr Smith was
involved in Village Green Environmental Solutions failing to pay several weeks’
wages to 15 employees when they fell due in December, 2008 and January,
2009.
Mr Smith was allegedly also involved in the company failing to pay accrued
annual leave entitlements and pay in lieu of notice to some of the employees
whose positions were terminated at the time.
The Fair Work Ombudsman alleges Village Green Environmental Solutions has
partially back-paid the workers but still owes $40,779 to 10 former employees.
The biggest amount allegedly still owing to an individual worker is $7170.
Fair Work Ombudsman Executive Director Michael Campbell says the decision to
launch the prosecution was made because of the significant amount involved and
the employer’s failure to fully rectify the matter.
The Fair Work Ombudsman alleges the company and Mr Smith committed several
breaches of workplace relations laws.
The Agency is seeking penalties against the company and Mr Smith and a Court
Order for the money allegedly still owed to be back-paid.
The maximum potential penalty per breach is $33,000 for Village Green
Environmental Solutions and $6600 for Mr Smith.
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 
