Fair Work Infoline: 13 13 94
Media Release
19 Jan 2010
Motel to face court for allegedly refusing to
provide staff employment records
The Fair Work Ombudsman has launched a prosecution against the operators of a
motel in northern coastal NSW for allegedly failing to provide inspectors with staff
employment records.
Facing court is Ballina Island Resort Pty Ltd, which operates the Ballina Island
Motor Inn, and company director-manager Matthew Robert Laurie.
As part of routine activity, Fair Work inspectors attempted to audit Ballina Island
Resort last year to check employees were being paid correctly.
Documents lodged in the Federal Magistrates Court in Sydney allege that the
company ignored numerous requests from inspectors for time-and-wages records
and other documents.
Under workplace laws, employers must keep employment records for employees
and former employees and provide them to Fair Work inspectors upon request.
Ballina Island Resort also allegedly failed to issue payslips to all employees.
Fair Work Ombudsman Executive Director Michael Campbell says it will be alleged
in court that the company is either deliberately withholding the records – or has
none.
Ballina Island Resort and Mr Laurie have allegedly each committed two breaches
of workplace laws. The maximum penalty per breach is $33,000 for the company
and $6600 for Mr Laurie.
The case is listed for mention on February 19.
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 
