An IT contractor has been awarded more than $22,000 after being sacked on Christmas Eve over unproven allegations of speeding in a company vehicle.
Irfan Shaik, who earned $146,000 annually while working for Field Solutions Group (FSG) at the North and South Kestrel Mines near Emerald in central Queensland, was dismissed in December 2024 after co-workers accused him of misusing a company car.
The Courier Mail reported that despite the allegations of ‘serious misconduct’, the Fair Work Commission ruled there was no credible evidence that Mr Shaik had ever unlawfully used the vehicle. FSG claimed Mr Shaik admitted to speeding during a recorded interview — but failed to provide the recording during the tribunal hearing. Mr Shaik strongly denied the accusation.
According to The Daily Mail, the Commission’s deputy president, Nicholas Lake, ordered FSG to pay Mr Shaik $22,461, equivalent to two months’ salary, plus superannuation, within 21 days of the ruling. The amount was based on Mr Shaik’s monthly pay of $12,135 for 164 hours of work.
Mr Shaik, who represented himself during the proceedings, was also given the option of reinstatement, which he declined. He described the company’s accusations as “completely unfounded,” asserting that he was merely advised to reduce speed on highways once in August 2023.
It is further reported, FSG had placed him on ‘gardening leave’ following a complaint in October, before officially terminating him in late December. A timeline of alleged warnings accompanied his dismissal letter, but the tribunal found no substantial justification for the firing.
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