17 May 2016

The former operator of a trolley-collection company at Wagga, in regional NSW, is facing Court for allegedly providing false records to the Fair Work Ombudsman.

The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal proceedings against Sydney man Said Sabbagh and a company he formerly owned and operated, Civic National Pty Ltd.

They previously provided trolley collection services at three Woolworths supermarkets and a Big W site in Wagga.

The Fair Work Ombudsman conducted a proactive audit of Civic National in 2014 as part of a national Inquiry aimed at ensuring trolley collectors are paid correctly.

Civic National received a Notice to Produce employment documents relating to its employees.

In response, Mr Sabbagh allegedly provided records that he knew contained false information relating to a number of employees, including in relation to hours of work and amounts paid.

For example, it is alleged that the employment records purported to show that one employee had performed paid work - yet he was overseas for the entire period he was purportedly at work.

The employment records provided by Mr Sabbagh also allegedly purported to show that tax had been deducted from a number of employees' wages, yet Australian Tax Office records showed that no tax was remitted for these employees.

Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James says a decision was made to commence legal action because of the alleged deliberate nature and seriousness of the conduct.

Mr Sabbagh faces penalties of up to $3400 per contravention of workplace laws, while Civic National Pty Ltd faces penalties of up to $17,000 per contravention.

The Fair Work Ombudsman is currently finalising a public report on the findings of its Inquiry relating to trolley collectors.

Employers and employees seeking assistance can visit www.fairwork.gov.au or contact the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94.

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