The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against a used car dealership business in the Logan region, south of Brisbane.
Facing court is Southeast Auto Sales Pty Ltd, which trades as All About Offroad 4x4 Specialist, in Woodridge.
The regulator investigated after receiving a request for assistance from a worker Southeast Auto Sales employed as a full-time general manager and car salesperson between July 2019 and December 2022.
A Fair Work Inspector issued a Compliance Notice to Southeast Auto Sales in September 2023 after forming a belief the company failed to pay the worker's accrued but untaken annual leave entitlements when his employment ended, in accordance with the Fair Work Act's National Employment Standards.
The Fair Work Ombudsman alleges Southeast Auto Sales, without reasonable excuse, failed to comply with the Compliance Notice, which required it to calculate and back-pay the worker's entitlements. It is alleged that the amount Southeast Auto Sales was required to pay to comply with the Compliance Notice was $7,874.
Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth said the regulator would continue to enforce workplace laws and take businesses to court where lawful requests are not complied with.
"Where employers do not comply, we will take appropriate action to protect employees. A court can order a business to pay penalties and make payments to workers," Ms Booth said.
"Any employees with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free assistance."
The FWO is seeking a penalty in court. For the alleged failure to comply with the Compliance Notice, Southeast Auto Sales faces a penalty of up to $46,950.
The regulator is also seeking an order for Southeast Auto Sales to pay the amount allegedly owing to the employee, plus interest.
A directions hearing is listed in the Federal Circuit and Family Court in Brisbane on 12 May 2025.
