South Coast cafe operators face court over Fair Work breach

The operators of now-closed cafe The Pantry at Corrimal are facing court after allegedly underpaying a young staff member.

Amanda Hay and Suzanne Miller ran the cafe, which was located in the Corrimal Beach Tourist Park.

A young employee who worked as a casual for the company in August-September 2022 contacted the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO), alleging that the operators didn’t pay his minimum wages and penalty rates.

The FWO issued a compliance notice to Hay and Miller requesting them to pay the former worker $2,788. They made a partial repayment of $600.

Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth said the FWO will take appropriate action to protect employees when employers don’t comply with work laws.

“Employers should also be aware that taking action to improve compliance in the fast food, restaurants and cafes sector and protecting young workers are priorities for the FWO. Any employees with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact us for free advice and assistance,” said Booth.

The FWO is seeking penalties in court for Hay and Miller’s alleged failure to comply. Both women face a penalty of up to $8,250.

Last week, Fair Work was also conducting inspections on the Sunshine Coast. Inspectors visited 24 fast food outlets, restaurants, and cafés in Noosa Heads, Noosaville, and Tewantin to check records and payslips for evidence of underpayments or other breaches.

Photo by Mel Audelo.