11 April 2016

The former operator of a Melbourne hair and beauty business has been penalised $5100 for ignoring a Fair Work Commission order to compensate an employee who had been unfairly dismissed.

Maria Raimondi, who formerly operated the Raimondi Hair and Day Spa at Eltham, has received the penalty in the Federal Circuit Court.

The penalty is the result of legal action by the Fair Work Ombudsman.

In 2014, the Fair Work Commission ordered Raimondi’s company to pay $6050 compensation to a hairdresser it found had been unfairly dismissed.

The Fair Work Ombudsman investigated after receiving a request for assistance from the employee when compensation was not paid within the required 14 days.

The Fair Work Ombudsman made several requests for Raimondi’s company to comply with the Commission’s Order, but the compensation was not paid.

It was paid only after the Fair Work Ombudsman commenced litigation.

Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James says her Agency has an important role to play in enforcing Orders issued by the Fair Work Commission.

“Building a culture of compliance with workplace law is important, and employers should be aware that we are prepared to take action where appropriate,” Ms James said.

“The integrity of the system must be upheld.”

The penalties against Raimondi represent the fourth time the Fair Work Ombudsman has secured penalties in Court against a business operator for ignoring a Fair Work Commission order to pay compensation to an unfairly dismissed employee.

Ms James says her Agency is working hard to ensure a level playing field for employers who are doing the right thing and meeting their workplace obligations.

“We are committed to helping employers understand and comply with workplace laws, but operators who do not co-operate when we find a problem will face enforcement action,” she said.

She encouraged employers who had any uncertainty about their workplace practices to visit the website at www.fairwork.gov.au or phone the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94. An interpreter service is available by calling 13 14 50.

Follow Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James on Twitter @NatJamesFWO , the Fair Work Ombudsman @fairwork_gov_au or find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/fairwork.gov.au .

Sign up to receive the Fair Work Ombudsman’s media releases direct to your email inbox at www.fairwork.gov.au/mediareleases.

Media inquiries:

Ryan Pedler, Assistant Media Director
Mobile: 0411 430 902
ryan.pedler@fwo.gov.au