The former operators of a Thai restaurant in Newcastle are facing legal action for allegedly failing to make superannuation payments to three staff members then trying to cover it up with false pay slips.
The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) has launched proceedings against Greathunter, which operated Larnna Thai in Honeysuckle, and the sole director of the company, Chengda Li.
Larnna Thai closed earlier this year after an investigation into the company as part of a campaign targeting Newcastle food outlets.
The FWO alleges it found Mr Li was involved in Greathunter failing to make the required superannuation payments to three employees across a period of two years.
Greathunter allegedly failed to make the payments to the two cooks and one waiter, one of whom was aged between 19 and 21 and another who was a Thai international student, for any of their work.
The employees were engaged at Larnna Thai for various periods between November 2021 and October 2023.
The FWO alleges Greathunter made more than $23,000 in superannuation payments to the employees in 2025 "long after" the investigation had begun.
The FWO further alleges Mr Li and Greathunter breached the Fair Work Act by knowingly or recklessly providing false pay slips twice during the investigation that stated super entitlements had been paid.
They allegedly committed a further breach by falsely telling the FWO the pay slips had been prepared by Greathunter's accountant when Mr Li had made them himself.
FWO Anna Booth said the alleged conduct warranted litigation, with the company and Mr Li to face the Federal Circuit and Family Court.
"Allegedly failing to pay superannuation and trying to cover it up with false pay slips and other false information is completely unacceptable conduct," Ms Booth said.
"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."
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She said inspectors could see through fake information and employees should know the FWO treats alleged blatant breaches seriously.
"Employers 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," she said.
Greathunter faces penalties of up to $93,900 per breach and Mr Li could face penalties of up to $18,780 per breach.
A directions hearing has been listed in court for July.
