A Queensland security services company is facing proceedings in the Federal Circuit and Family Court after the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) alleged it failed to pay compensation ordered by the Fair Work Commission to a former employee who was unfairly dismissed.

According to the Fair Work Ombudsman, Absolute QSEC Pty Ltd employed the worker as a regular casual security officer in the Cairns region from September 2023 until the employee's dismissal in September 2024. In February 2025, the Fair Work Commission found the dismissal was unfair and ordered the company to pay $9,333 in compensation, plus superannuation, within 28 days.

The Fair Work Ombudsman alleges the company failed to comply with that legally binding order despite attempts to secure voluntary compliance. As a result, legal proceedings have now been commenced under the Fair Work Act.

Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth said compliance with Fair Work Commission decisions is essential to maintaining confidence in Australia's workplace relations system. She said workers who are awarded compensation must receive the payments they are legally entitled to.

The company faces a potential court-imposed penalty of up to $99,000 if the alleged breach is proven. In addition to financial penalties, the Fair Work Ombudsman is seeking court orders requiring the business to pay the outstanding compensation, unpaid superannuation and applicable interest to the former employee.

The matter has been listed for a directions hearing in the Federal Circuit and Family Court in Brisbane on 16 July 2026. At this stage, the allegations have not been determined by the court, and no findings have been made against the company.

The Fair Work Ombudsman said the case demonstrates its commitment to enforcing workplace laws and ensuring employers comply with Fair Work Commission orders. Employees who believe they have not received their lawful workplace entitlements are encouraged to seek advice from the Fair Work Ombudsman or their union if they are a member.