Operators of Queensland smartphone repair outlets face court
The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against the operators of two smartphone repair outlets in Queensland.
Facing court are Fone Fix8 QLD Pty Ltd, which operates outlets trading as ‘Fone Fix8’ in Toowoomba and Kingaroy, and the company’s sole director, Trace Kevin Jones.
The regulator investigated after receiving requests for assistance from two workers Fone Fix8 Pty Ltd had employed as retail assistants.
One worker was employed at the Toowoomba outlet between April 2021 and January 2023, when he was aged 22 to 24. The other was employed at the Kingaroy outlet between May and December, 2022.
A Fair Work Inspector gave a Compliance Notice to Fone Fix8 QLD Pty Ltd in October 2025 after forming a belief the company had underpaid the workers’ entitlements.
The Inspector formed a belief that the company had underpaid the workers’ ordinary wage rates, overtime rates, minimum engagement pay, public holiday-related pay, and leave entitlements.
The Fair Work Ombudsman alleges Fone Fix8 QLD Pty Ltd, without a reasonable excuse, failed to comply with the Compliance Notice, which required it to calculate and back pay the employees’ entitlements and produce evidence of compliance. It is alleged Mr Jones was involved in the contravention.
It is alleged the total amount the company was required to pay to comply with the Compliance Notice was $35,053, which included $23,780 for the Toowoomba worker and $11,273 for the Kingaroy worker.
The entitlements were allegedly owed under the General Retail Industry Award 2020 and the Fair Work Act’s National Employment Standards.
Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth said the regulator would continue to enforce workplace laws and take businesses to court where lawful requests are not complied with.
“Where employers do not comply, we will take appropriate action to protect employees. A court can order a business to pay penalties and make payments to workers,” Ms Booth said.
“The amounts allegedly owed to each of the workers is significant. Business operators should also be aware that taking action to protect young workers is an enduring priority for the FWO.
“Any employees with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact us for free advice and assistance.”
The FWO is seeking a penalty in court for the alleged failure to comply with the Compliance Notice. Fone Fix8 QLD Pty Ltd faces a penalty of up to $99,000 and Mr Jones faces a penalty of up to $19,800.
The regulator is also seeking an order requiring the company comply with the Compliance Notice, including paying the alleged outstanding amounts to the employees, plus superannuation and interest.
A directions hearing is listed in the Federal Circuit and Family Court in Brisbane for 14 August 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.
Employees can also seek information from their employer or their union, if they are a union member.
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.
