Tasmanian IT business operator in court
The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against the operator of an Information Technology business in Tasmania for an alleged breach affecting a young worker.
Facing court is Maurice Fredrick Hays, a sole trader who operates ‘Hays Technologies Tasmania’ in Devonport.
The Fair Work Ombudsman investigated after receiving a request for assistance from a young worker employed by Mr Hays as a casual IT support worker from June to August 2025. The worker was aged 21 at the time.
A Fair Work Inspector issued a Compliance Notice to Mr Hays in January 2026 after forming a belief he had failed to pay the worker any wages for 135 hours of work performed.
The Inspector formed a belief that the worker was entitled to be paid minimum wages plus a casual loading under the Miscellaneous Award 2020.
The Fair Work Ombudsman alleges Mr Hays, 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 that the amount Mr Hays was required to pay to comply with the Compliance Notice was $4,089.
Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth said the regulator would continue to enforce workplace laws and take businesses to court where lawful requests were not complied with.
“Where employers do not comply, we will take appropriate action to protect employees,” Ms Booth said.
“Employers should be aware that taking action to protect young workers is one of our top priorities.
“Any employees with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact us for free advice and assistance. They can also contact their union if they are a member.”
The Fair Work Ombudsman is seeking a penalty against Mr Hays in court for his alleged failure to comply with the Compliance Notice. Mr Hays faces a penalty of up to $19,800.
The regulator is also seeking an order requiring Mr Hays to comply with the Compliance Notice, by taking the steps set out in it and paying the outstanding entitlements of $4,089 owed to the worker, plus interest.
A directions hearing is listed in the Federal Circuit and Family Court on 16 July 2026.
Employers and employees can visit www.fairwork.gov.au or call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 for free advice and assistance. An interpreter service is available on 13 14 50.
In 2024-25, the FWO secured total court penalties of more than $870,000 for failures to comply with Compliance Notices.
Information is available for employees and employers at our young workers and students and apprentices webpages.
Employers can seek information from their employer association if they are a member, and also use the FWO’s pay calculator and 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.
