The Fair Work Ombudsman has secured $21,978 in penalties in court against the former operators of a water management and drainage supply business.

An $18,315 fine has been issued against H-TEQ Pty Ltd by the Federal Circuit and Family Court. Formerly operated as Hydro Construction Products at various locations in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, the court also imposed a $3,663 penalty against the company’s sole director, Ian Robert Turner.

The penalties were imposed in response to the company failing to comply with a Compliance Notice, which required it to calculate and back-pay entitlements owed to a full-time warehouse store person. The warehouse was in Minto, in Sydney’s south-west, and took place between April 2019 and March 2021. Ian was penalised for his involvement in the contravention.

In addition to the penalties, the Court has ordered H-TEQ Pty Ltd to pay $4,233 to the worker, including interest.

Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth says business operators who fail to act on Compliance Notices need to be aware they can face penalties in court on top of having to pay workers outstanding amounts owed under Compliance Notices.

“When Compliance Notices are not followed, we will continue to take legal action to protect employees,” she says.

“Employees who fail to act on these notices risk substantial penalties in addition to the need to pay workers amounts required by such notices. Any employees with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free assistance.”