Asset freeze break claim

A FAR Northern businessman is accused of contempt of court after allegedly breaching a freezing order put in place by the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Leigh Alan Jorgensen, the owner-operator of a Cairns company trading as Trek North Tours, will face the Federal Circuit Court over allegedly transferring more than $40,000 after a freezing order applied to funds in his company’s accounts in 2015.

The Federal Circuit Court made the freezing orders preventing any dispersion of the assets of Mr Jorgensen and his company. The orders were to apply until the penalties and back-payments from the litigation relating to underpayment of wages were complied with.

Mr Jorgensen subsequently paid the penalty imposed on him personally into the court, which resulted in the freezing order against him being lifted.

However, Mr Jorgensen’s company has failed to pay its penalty and failed to back-pay workers, resulting in the freezing order against his company remaining in place.

The Fair Work Ombudsman alleges that in August 2015 Mr Jorgensen transferred a total of $41,035 from two company accounts into his family trust account.

Acting Fair Work Ombudsman Kristen Hannah said the agency was committed to ensuring all workers receive their lawful entitlements.

The matter is listed for a directions hearing in the Federal Circuit Court in Brisbane on December 5.

Employers and employees seeking assistance can visit the website fairwork.gov.au, or contact the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94.

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