Sydney valet parking operator faces court
The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against the operator of a valet parking service in Sydney.
Facing court is sole trader Bradley Armstrong, who owns and operates ‘Cruise Control Australia Parking Sydney’.
A Fair Work Inspector issued a Compliance Notice to Mr Armstrong in May 2024 after forming a belief Mr Armstrong had underpaid a 54-year-old worker he employed on a casual basis as a car parking officer in 2023.
The Fair Work Inspector’s belief was that between August and October 2023, Mr Armstrong underpaid the worker’s penalty rates for weekend and overtime work owed under the Car Parking Award 2020.
It is alleged Mr Armstrong, without reasonable excuse, failed to comply with the Compliance Notice, which required him to calculate and back-pay the worker’s entitlements.
It is alleged the amount Mr Armstrong was required to pay to comply with the Compliance Notice was $2,498.
Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth said the regulator would continue to enforce workplace laws and take employers to court where lawful requests are not complied with.
“Where employers do not comply with a Compliance Notice, we will take appropriate action to protect employees. A court can order an employer to pay penalties and make payments to workers,” Ms Booth said.
“Any employees with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free assistance.”
The FWO is seeking a penalty in court for the alleged failure to comply with the Compliance Notice. Mr Armstrong faces a penalty of up to $18,780.
The regulator is also seeking an order for Mr Armstrong to comply with the Compliance Notice, including paying the amount allegedly owing to the worker, plus superannuation and interest.
A hearing is listed in the Federal Circuit and Family Court in Sydney on 7 October 2025.
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. An interpreter service is available on 13 14 50. Employees can also seek information from their employer or their union, if they are a member.
Small businesses can find targeted resources at the Small Business Showcase.
The FWO provides a free online course to help employers understand what a Compliance Notice is and how to respond if they get one. The Compliance Notice course, among a suite of free interactive courses on offer for employers, managers and employees, is available in our online learning centre.
