Arabic version: تغريم شركة لتأجير العمالة في كوينزلاند بسبب سجلات مزيفة
According to ABC News, former Queensland labour hire company Korserv Pty Ltd and its former manager Janghwan Choi have been fined a combined $180,288 after admitting they supplied false and misleading documents to a Fair Work inspector. On August 13, the Federal Circuit and Family Court ordered Korserv to pay $150,240 and fined Mr Choi $30,048.
The documents were provided during an audit at a Glass House Mountains strawberry farm in December 2023 and January 2024. Korserv, which is no longer operating, was being audited for compliance with pay rates for 14 farm workers, including at least three visa holders. The false material included pay slips, purported bank-payment records for payments that were never made, superannuation records and piecework agreements containing false signatures.
The court heard Korserv had subcontracted two other companies responsible for paying the workers and had sent money to those subcontractors. Judge Gregory Egan described the production of false and misleading documents as “egregious flouting” of workplace laws, saying the respondents intended to mislead the inspector. He said penalties should generally deter similar conduct by others.
Queensland Strawberry Growers Association president Adrian Schultz welcomed the fines but said the penalty should have been harsher. The judgment stated Korserv had been engaged by Twin Creek Junction Pty Ltd for labour hire services, without suggesting wrongdoing by the farm. The strawberry business entered voluntary administration last year and has since ceased operation.
Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth said her office was prioritising efforts to rid agriculture of such behaviour, particularly where visa-holder workers may be vulnerable, unaware of their rights, reliant on employers or reluctant to complain. Mr Schultz urged concerned workers to contact the ombudsman, noting complaints can be anonymous and translation services are available. Korserv and Mr Choi were given 30 days to pay.
