Fair Work Infoline: 13 13 94
Media Release
9 Feb 2010
Port Fairy restaurant allegedly underpaid casual
waitresses almost $8000
The Fair Work Ombudsman has launched a prosecution against the former owner
of a Port Fairy restaurant for allegedly underpaying three workers almost $8000.
Facing court is Port Fairy man David Farnhill, who was the sole owner and
director of Adamsleigh Pty Ltd, which went into liquidation last year.
Through his company, Mr Farnhill owned and managed Wisharts at the Wharf
Restaurant and Bar in Port Fairy.
Documents lodged in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court allege Mr Farnhill was
centrally involved in his company underpaying three casual waitresses a total of
$7975 in 2008-2009.
The workers were allegedly paid a flat hourly rate of $18.50 to $19.50 for all
hours worked when they were entitled to up to $20 an hour on weekdays, $23 on
Saturdays, $26 on Sundays and $42 on public holidays.
It is alleged that Mr Farnhill was also involved in his company failing to comply
with numerous requests from Fair Work inspectors to provide time-and-wages
records and other employment records.
Under workplace laws, employers must keep employment records for employees
and former employees and provide them to Fair Work inspectors upon request.
Fair Work Ombudsman Executive Director Michael Campbell says the decision to
prosecute Mr Farnhill was made because of the seriousness of the breaches and
his alleged failure to rectify the matter.
The Fair Work Ombudsman claims Mr Farnhill has committed multiple breaches of
workplace relations laws. The maximum penalty per breach is $6600.
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 
