Fair Work Infoline: 13 13 94
Media Release
13 Sept 2010
Lockyer Valley farm directors fined $35,000 for
underpaying farm workers
The operators of a Lockyer Valley farm have been fined a total of $35,360 for
underpaying seven fruit and vegetable pickers.
Nu Life Organic Farms Pty Ltd, which formerly operated a cucumber farm at
Grantham, has been fined $25,500.
Company directors Trevor John Bell and Peter John Hill, who were involved in
running the farm, have also been fined $4930 each.
The penalties, imposed in the Federal Magistrates Court in Brisbane, are the
result of a prosecution by the Fair Work Ombudsman.
The Fair Work Ombudsman initiated litigation after finding that seven Japanese
workers had been underpaid $20,000.
The Court ordered the company to back-pay the former employees amounts
ranging from $682 to $3822.
The workers were paid about $8.50 an hour when they should have been getting
almost $17 an hour.
Handing down his decision, Magistrate Michael Jarrett said there was a need to
send a message “to employers and the community generally that underpayment
of wages will not be tolerated”.
“This is particularly the case where vulnerable employees are involved,” he said.
Magistrate Jarrett said Bell, Hill and the company had demonstrated “reckless
disregard” for their legal obligations and shown no remorse for their actions.
Fair Work Ombudsman Executive Director Michael Campbell says employers
should note that the Courts are taking a dim view of employers who seek to
exploit vulnerable workers.
The Fair work Ombudsman has a number of tools on its website –
respective rights and obligations.
Employers or employees seeking assistance can also contact the Fair Work
Infoline on 13 13 94. For translations call 13 14 50.
Media inquiries: Ryan Pedler, Senior Media Adviser. (03) 9954 2561,
0411 430 902. ryan.pedler@fwo.gov.au
NEWS 
