The employer owed $250K to the ATO — and sacked her without a single conversation
A NSW aged care worker who flagged her employer's financial problems was fired while on workers compensation — and the Fair Work Commission has sided with her.
In a decision handed down on 23 March 2026, Deputy President Wright found that the dismissal of Mrs Leesa Zaicos by Tamworth Dementia Respite Service Inc (TDRS) was harsh, unjust and unreasonable, ordering the organisation to pay $20,141.90 gross plus superannuation in compensation.
Zaicos had worked as Executive Manager of TDRS — a small not-for-profit in regional New South Wales providing centre-based dementia respite programs — since March 2021. During her four years in the role, she secured funding increases that effectively doubled the organisation's operational budget and expanded services from 20 clients and carers to approximately 90 high-needs dementia participants.
The trouble began when staff raised concerns about unpaid superannuation. Zaicos brought the matter to the voluntary committee of management, which refused to act. She then instructed a solicitor, which led to the cessation of the external accountant's services. It turned out the accountant had failed to remit superannuation and GST to the Australian Tax Office over several years, leaving the organisation with a debt of approximately $250,000.
In 2024, the committee increased Zaicos' duties to five days per week to help manage the fallout. The pressure eventually...
Panaji: The Public Works Department (PWD), Government of Goa, has strongly refuted allegations being circulated on social media and certain media platforms regarding a so-called "Rs 1,000 crore sc...