Fair Work Ombudsman sues Four Seasons Workforce over alleged underpayment of migrant pickers

The Fair Work Ombudsman has initiated Federal Court proceedings against Four Seasons Workforce Pty Ltd, charging the labour-hire company with underpaying two temporary-visa workers—a Chinese national and a Japanese national—by roughly $20,000. The Ombudsman, Anna Booth, said the firm used a piece-work payment method that failed to meet the Pieceworker Guaranteed Minimum Rate under the Horticulture Industry Award 2020. This action is the third against a labour-hire firm this year, with two earlier cases also linked to the Coffs Harbour region, which regulators have flagged as a high-risk area.

If convicted, Four Seasons could face fines of up to $99,000 for each breach, while its sole director, Pik Yok Chey, may be liable for up to $19,800 per breach. The company allegedly also ignored compliance notices and has already repaid $5,000 to one worker and $14,065 to the other after the investigation began. A court hearing is set for October 20, and the Ombudsman warned other firms to audit their supply chains for compliance.