A childcare provider, whose owner has previously been rebuked as a remorseless offender of wage violations, is embroiled in fresh claims of exploiting low-paid staff.
The Academy for Kids childcare centre in Melbourne's south-east will face court later this month after an investigation by the national workplace watchdog.
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In documents filed in the Federal Circuit Court, inspectors from the Fair Work Ombudsman allege company director Vivien Mahomet has underpaid two childcare workers by nearly $13,000 over two years.
She did not respond to Fairfax Media's requests for comment on Tuesday.
![Childcare workers were allegedly underpaid $13,000 in wages and entitlements.](/web/20170302072446im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/h/2/g/i/r/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.guhsn9.png/1487683123832.jpg)
The case comes after Ms Mahomet was fined almost $20,000 in a separate court case for underpaying five childcare workers $16,000.
Handing down the penalty in 2014, Judge John O'Sullivan noted that Ms Mahomet had shown no remorse.
"There is no evidence that the respondent is remorseful or contrite," he said.
"Nor is there any evidence the respondent has taken steps to mitigate the seriousness of the conduct."
![Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James said the watchdog had ''zero tolerance'' for repeat offenders.](/web/20170302072446im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/1/m/2/i/n/i/image.related.articleLeadNarrow.300x0.guhsn9.png/1487683123832.jpg)
Authorities launched the latest investigation into the Glen Waverley-based Academy for Kids after employees made requests for assistance.
The workers were allegedly found to have been underpaid minimum hourly rates, broken shift allowances, overtime rates, public holiday entitlements and annual leave pay.
Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James said Ms Mahomet's alleged refusal to learn from her mistakes was a "significant factor" in the decision to begin legal action.
"Underpaying workers' basic minimum entitlements is very serious conduct and we have a very low tolerance for alleged repeat contraventions," she said.
There is no evidence that the respondent is remorseful or contrite.
Judge John O'Sullivan
The Fair Work Ombudsman alleges Ms Mahomet committed multiple contraventions of workplace laws. She faces maximum penalties of up to $10,200 for each contravention.
The agency is also seeking an injunction restraining Ms Mahomet from underpaying workers in future.
If the injunction is granted, Ms Mahomet could face contempt-of-court proceedings for any further underpayment contraventions proven in court.
A directions hearing is listed in the Federal Circuit Court in Melbourne on February 28.