The former operators of a Newcastle Thai restaurant have been taken to court over allegations they failed to pay workers’ superannuation before attempting to cover it up.
Larnna Thai, which operated in the city before closing earlier this year, is at the centre of legal proceedings launched by the Fair Work Ombudsman following an investigation into the business.
The case involves ex-operator Greathunter Pty Ltd and the company’s sole director and manager, Chengda Li.
Three employees are alleged to not have been paid their superannuation entitlements while working at the restaurant between November 2021 and October 2023, despite obligations under the Restaurant Industry Award 2020.
The Fair Work Ombudsman further claims false pay slips were provided to inspectors during the investigation in an attempt to cover up the unpaid superannuation.
According to the regulator, no payments were made at the required time for any of the workers.
The affected employees included a Thai international student, a young worker aged between 19 and 21, and two cooks alongside one front-of-house staff member.
The alleged unpaid superannuation was later rectified in 2025 after the Fair Work Ombudsman began investigating, with more than $23,000 eventually paid to affected employees.
However, the court action also centres on allegations that false pay slips were knowingly or recklessly provided during the investigation, allegedly claiming the superannuation had already been paid.
The Fair Work Ombudsman further alleges Mr Li falsely stated the pay slips had been prepared by the company’s accountant when they had actually been prepared by him personally.
Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth admitted the conduct was serious enough to warrant litigation.
“Allegedly failing to pay superannuation and trying to cover it up with false pay slips and other false information is completely unacceptable conduct,” she explained.
“We are committed to taking action to protect vulnerable workers in this country and ensure that employers who breach the law are held to account.
“Our experienced inspectors will see through false information.
“Employers need to be aware that we treat such alleged blatant breaches seriously, and penalties can follow.
“They should also be aware that taking action to protect young and migrant workers and improve compliance in the fast food, restaurants and cafés sector are priorities for the FWO.
“Any workers with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact us for free advice and assistance.”
The Fair Work Ombudsman is seeking penalties through the court, with Greathunter Pty Ltd facing potential penalties of up to $93,000 per breach and Mr Li facing penalties of up to $18,780 per breach.
A directions hearing is scheduled in Sydney on 10 July.
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