The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against the former operators of a transport business in regional Victoria for allegedly underpaying 23 workers almost $300,000 after informing them via text message that their employment was ending.
The regulator has commenced legal action against TLCP Vic Pty Ltd, which operated a long-distance livestock transport business based in Albury, Pakenham and Maffra trading as ‘Transedel Livestock Carriers’, before the business ceased trading.
Also facing court are TLCP Vic Pty Ltd director Lachlan Stuart Wigg, and Patrick Martin Gray, who was a manager of Transedel Livestock Carriers.
The Fair Work Ombudsman investigated after receiving requests for assistance from workers.
It is alleged the investigation found that TLCP Vic Pty Ltd failed to pay 23 workers a total of $297,335 in redundancy and payment-in-lieu-of-notice of termination entitlements when it terminated their employment in 2024, when Transedel Livestock Carriers ceased trading.
The Fair Work Ombudsman alleges that Mr Gray sent a text message to TLCP’s employees in January 2024 stating that TLCP had ceased trading and asking employees to return their trucks and trailers within 24 hours.
The redundancy and payment-in-lieu-of-notice of termination entitlements were allegedly owed under the Fair Work Act’s National Employment Standards.
Alleged underpayments of individual workers range from $704 to $19,795.
The affected workers included 21 long-distance truck drivers, a mechanic and an administrative employee, who was aged 19 at the time.
The workers were employed by the company between 2016 and 2024, with periods of service ranging from several months to more than seven years.
The Fair Work Ombudsman alleges the company also breached workplace laws by failing to comply, without reasonable excuse, with a Compliance Notice issued to the company in March 2025, which required it to rectify the alleged underpayments.
The regulator alleges Mr Wigg was involved in all contraventions and that Mr Gray was involved in the failure to pay redundancy and notice-of-termination-of-employment 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.
“Any employees with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact us for free advice and assistance. They can also contact their union if they are a member.”
The Fair Work Ombudsman is seeking penalties in court 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 up to $19,800 for his alleged involvement in the failure to comply with the Compliance Notice.
The regulator is also seeking orders requiring the company to rectify the alleged underpayments in full, plus superannuation and interest.
A directions hearing is listed in the Federal Circuit and Family Court in Melbourne on 13 August 2026.
The company transported livestock including cattle.
