The Fair Work Ombudsman has launched legal action against the former operators of Transedel Livestock Carriers. Photo: Fair Work Commission.
An Albury-based livestock transport company allegedly told its workers by text message that it had stopped trading before leaving 23 employees owed almost $300,000 in redundancy and termination payments.
According to a media release, the Fair Work Ombudsman has launched legal action against the former operators of Transedel Livestock Carriers, which operated a long-distance livestock transport business from Albury, Pakenham and Maffra before ceasing trading in 2024.
The regulator alleges the company, TLCP Vic Pty Ltd, failed to pay 23 workers a total of $297,335 in redundancy and payment-in-lieu-of-notice entitlements when their employment ended.
It is alleged that in January 2024, Transedel manager Patrick Martin Gray sent employees a text message stating that the company had ceased trading and asking them to return their trucks and trailers within 24 hours.
The alleged underpayments range from $704 to $19,795 for individual workers.
The employees allegedly affected included 21 long-distance truck drivers, a mechanic and an administrative employee who was aged 19 at the time.
The workers had been employed by the company between 2016 and 2024, with periods of service ranging from several months to more than seven years.
TLCP Vic Pty Ltd director Lachlan Stuart Wigg and Mr Gray are also facing court proceedings.
The Fair Work Ombudsman alleges the company failed to meet its obligations under the Fair Work Act’s National Employment Standards, which include redundancy and notice-of-termination entitlements.
The regulator also alleges the company failed, without reasonable excuse, to comply with a compliance notice issued in March 2025 requiring it to rectify the alleged underpayments.
It alleges Mr Wigg was involved in all of the alleged contraventions, while Mr Gray was involved in the alleged failure to pay redundancy and notice-of-termination entitlements.
Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth said alleged underpayment of termination entitlements was a serious matter.
“The closure of a business does not remove the need to pay all applicable termination entitlements, which can include redundancy entitlements,” Ms Booth said.
“The alleged payments owed were significant. Redundancy entitlements play a vital supporting role for people while they attempt to pick themselves up, find a new job and get back on their feet.
“Company directors and managers should also take note that we can pursue penalties against them for their alleged involvement in any breaches.”
The company transported livestock including cattle.
The Fair Work Ombudsman is seeking penalties for multiple alleged contraventions.
TLCP Vic Pty Ltd faces penalties of up to $93,900 per alleged contravention of the National Employment Standards and $99,000 for its alleged failure to comply with the compliance notice.
Mr Wigg and Mr Gray face penalties of up to $18,780 per alleged contravention of the National Employment Standards.
Mr Wigg also faces a penalty of up to $19,800 for his alleged involvement in the failure to comply with the compliance notice.
The regulator is seeking orders requiring the company to rectify the alleged underpayments in full, plus superannuation and interest.
The Fair Work Ombudsman commenced its investigation after receiving requests for assistance from workers.
A directions hearing is listed in the Federal Circuit and Family Court in Melbourne on 13 August.
The Fair Work Ombudsman said employers and employees could visit its website or contact the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 for free advice and assistance. An interpreter service is available on 13 14 50.
Gary Delpiano exactly! I’m happy to pay for my meal and drinks, but I have no desire to pay for… View