URGENT UPDATE: The Fair Work Ombudsman has secured a hefty penalty of $15,984 against former United Petroleum operator Navaneeth Gogikar for providing falsified records during an investigation. The Federal Circuit and Family Court in Brisbane delivered the ruling, marking a significant crackdown on compliance failures in the industry.
This penalty comes amidst a broader investigation into the United Petroleum network, which has raised serious concerns about worker treatment across the country. Mr. Gogikar, who operated the outlet in Sunnybank Hills from 2019 to 2021, breached the Fair Work Act by supplying a Fair Work Inspector with misleading pay slips for a young Indian international student he employed, misrepresenting their actual rates of pay and net amounts.
The ramifications of these actions are severe. The Fair Work Ombudsman’s investigation revealed that Mr. Gogikar failed to maintain proper records not only for the student but also for two other young Indian workers, all aged between 23 and 24. As a result, the agency was unable to complete a thorough time-and-wages audit, further complicating the compliance landscape for employers.
Anna Booth, Fair Work Ombudsman, stated, “This penalty should send a clear message about the seriousness of breaching record-keeping laws.” She emphasized the agency’s zero tolerance for employers who knowingly submit false records, asserting that “it is unacceptable for an employer’s record-keeping practices to be so poor that they prevent us from completing a proper assessment.”
This case is part of a larger pattern of legal actions against former operators of United Petroleum-branded outlets. The Fair Work Ombudsman has initiated five litigations following extensive audits of 20 outlets across Tasmania, Queensland, NSW, Victoria, and South Australia. Earlier this year, two court cases resulted in penalties totaling $179,221 related to underpayments at two Tasmanian outlets, with two additional cases still ongoing.
As the Fair Work Ombudsman continues its efforts, they have filed a total of 146 litigations involving visa holder workers over the past seven financial years, recovering nearly $23 million in penalties. This highlights a growing focus on protecting vulnerable workers, particularly young and migrant individuals.
For those concerned about their rights or entitlements, the Fair Work Ombudsman encourages individuals to reach out for free assistance via their website or by calling 13 13 94. An interpreter service is also available at 13 14 50.
The Fair Work Ombudsman assures that there are no allegations against the current operators of the Sunnybank Hills United Petroleum outlet. However, the ongoing investigations signal a critical moment for compliance in the sector, as regulators ramp up efforts to ensure fair treatment for all workers.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as authorities continue to enforce compliance across the nation.
