A Victorian labour hire company has been slapped with a record fine for failing to reveal its director's criminal past.
Ung Services Pty Ltd and director Nico Keat were fined more than $480,000 in a Victorian Supreme Court decision on Thursday.
Neither party notified the Labour Hire Authority that Keat had previously been convicted of drug trafficking, theft and 10 other offences.
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The failure to disclose the convictions was a breach of Victorian laws, which state directors and other key people involved in those types of businesses must be "fit and proper".
Ung Services was ordered to pay $386,742, while Keat was issued with a fine worth almost $97,000.
The company provided horticultural workers to the Yarra Valley, an area located on the eastern outskirts of Melbourne and known for its sprawling vineyards and orchards.
Keat had previously unsuccessfully applied for a licence to be the director of a different company, according to the Victorian Labour Hire Authority.
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Labour hire commissioner Steve Dargavel said it was vital fit and proper people worked in the industry because it would help ensure workers were not exploited.
"(The) judgement sends a strong message to labour hire companies," he said in a statement.
"If your business model involves attempting to dodge laws that protect vulnerable workers, get a new line of business."
Australian Associated Press
