The Springs Milkbar fined after not complying with Fair Work back-pay probe

The owners of a milk bar on the Bellarine Peninsula have been hit with a hefty penalty in a federal case over a worker’s entitlements.

The Springs Milkbar in Clifton Springs has been slapped with a hefty fine after failing to comply with a probe into a worker's back pay entitlements. Picture: Google

The operators of a Bellarine milk bar have been slapped with thousands of dollars in fines by a federal court after failing to comply with a probe into a worker’s back-pay.

The Federal Circuit and Family Court earlier this month imposed a $9990 penalty on Double Hao International Pty Ltd, which runs The Springs Milkbar in Clifton Springs, along with a $2000 fine for director Rong Liu.

Mr Liu appeared in person to represent himself and the company, according to court documents.

The Fair Work Ombudsman brought the case against Double Hao International after it failed to comply when it was issued a compliance notice.

The notice required the company calculate back-pay entitlements owed to a worker it had employed between March 2018 and November 2020.

An investigation had begun after the worker asked the ombudsman for help and in August 2021, a Fair Work inspector issued the compliance notice to Double Hao International.

The court ordered $3970.98 of the fine had to be paid to the affected worker, as the amount she was owed.

Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth said business operators that failed to act on compliance

notices needed to be aware they could face penalties in court on top of having to pay

workers.

“When compliance notices are not followed, we will continue to take legal action to protect

employees. Employers who fail to act on these notices risk penalties and back-pay orders,”

Ms Booth said.

“Any employees with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact us for free

advice and assistance.”

According to the court orders, the company has 180 days to pay the worker, but Mr Riu has 28 days to pay his fine.

Employers and employees can visit www.fairwork.gov.au or call the Fair Work Infoline

on 13 13 94 for free advice and assistance about their rights and obligations in the

workplace. An interpreter service is available on 13 14 50.

Employees can also seek information from their employer or their union, if they are a member.

The FWO provides a free online course to help employers understand what a compliance

notice is and how to respond if they get one.

The compliance notice course, among a suite of free interactive courses on offer for employers, managers and employees, is available in the FWO’s online learning centre.

Small businesses can find targeted resources at the Small Business Showcase.

Originally published as The Springs Milkbar fined after not complying with Fair Work back-pay probe