Sydney dental practice operator penalised
The Fair Work Ombudsman has secured a court-ordered penalty against a dental practice in Campbelltown, Sydney.
The Federal Circuit Court has imposed a $6,000 penalty against Available Dental Care Pty Ltd and $1,400 against Doctor Seyed Shahabeddin Lajevardi, also known as Shaun Lajevardi, the company’s director.
The penalties were imposed in response to Dr Lajevardi breaching the Fair Work Act by failing to comply with a Compliance Notice requiring him to calculate and back-pay entitlements owing to three workers.
The affected workers were two dental assistants and a 19-year-old receptionist, all employed on a part-time basis.
Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker said business operators that fail to act on Compliance Notices face court-imposed penalties, in addition to having to back-pay underpaid staff.
“We make every effort to secure voluntary compliance with Compliance Notices but where they are not followed, we are prepared to take legal action to ensure workers receive all their lawful entitlements,” Ms Parker said.
“Any employees with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact us for free advice and assistance.”
Fair Work Inspectors audited Available Dental Care in 2018 during workplace checks of randomly selected businesses in the Campbelltown area.
A Fair Work Inspector issued a Compliance Notice to Dr Lajevardi in August 2019 after forming a belief Dr Lajevardi had failed to pay the workers their correct entitlements from September to October 2018.
The inspector believed the employees had been underpaid minimum wage rates and Saturday penalty rates under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2010.
Employers and employees can visit www.fairwork.gov.au or call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 for free advice and assistance about their rights and obligations in the workplace. A free interpreter service is available on 13 14 50.
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Media inquiries:
Ryan Pedler, Assistant Director - Media
Mobile: 0411 430 902
ryan.pedler@fwo.gov.au
