A nightclub’s dance with the law has ended on the wrong beat, after being fined $38,000 in the Southport Magistrates Court for failing to hold compulsory workers’ compensation insurance.
In 2022, it was found that over approximately five months, the Gold Coast nightclub didn’t have compulsory workers’ compensation insurance in place despite two employees being injured in the period.
When WorkCover Queensland reminded the employer they have a duty to hold workers’ compensation insurance, including them issuing a premium notice for the policy, the employer still failed to pay or obtain cover.
The Workers’ Compensation Regulator prosecuted the employer for failing to hold insurance under the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003.
Subsequently, the director of the Gold Coast nightclub entered a plea of guilty and was sentenced in the Southport Magistrates Court.
In addition to receiving a fine of $38,000, the employer was also ordered to pay costs.
WorkCover Queensland is also entitled to recover the entire claim costs associated with the uninsured claims.
The presiding magistrate, who delivered the sentencing in the Southport Magistrates Court, remarked that this case is a particularly serious example of a business failing to insure the safety of its people. The Magistrate further remarked the penalty must achieve the purpose of general deterrence to protect the publicly funded workers’ compensation scheme.
