The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) has taken the sole director of a South-East Queensland cafe and kiosk company to court for allegedly underpaying three workers.
Facing court is Salem Hamze, who was the director and part-owner of Lortoc No. 60 Pty Ltd. The company formerly operated a café called Hakuna Ma’Coffee and a food and beverage kiosk called Ric & Co, both located at the Blue Water Square Shopping Centre in Redcliffe, Moreton Bay.
Three workers employed at the outlets between September 2022 and March 2023 requested assistance from the regulator. A Fair Work Inspector formed the belief that the company had underpaid the workers’ minimum wages, penalty rates, and leave entitlements and issued a compliance notice to Lortoc No. 60 in December 2023.
Lortoc No. 60 employed two of the workers as part-time food and beverage attendants and one as a full-time fast-food employee. Both venues are now closed and Lortoc No. 60 is deregistered.
The FWO is seeking penalties against Hamze for his alleged involvement, including a penalty of up to $9,390 for failing to comply with the compliance notice and up to $13,320 and $16,500 respectively per pay slip contravention.
Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth said employers need to be aware that taking action to improve compliance in the fast food, restaurant, and cafe sectors is among the regulator’s top priorities.
“The law also demands that all employees be given accurate pay slips. Pay slips provide employees with the clarity they need about their pay, and we expect every employer to follow laws requiring them to provide pay slips to their employees within one business day of them being paid,” said Booth.
“Any employees with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free assistance.”
A directions hearing is listed in the Federal Circuit and Family Court in Brisbane on 8 December 2025.
Employers and employees can visit Fair Work or call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 for free advice and assistance. An interpreter service is available on 13 14 50. Employees can also seek information from their employer and their union, if they are a union member.
Photo by Chevanon Photography / Pexels.
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