A workplace dispute has reached the Federal Court, with former Wiggles CEO Luke O’Neill taking legal action against Wiggles Holdings Pty Ltd, Anthony Field, and general counsel Matthew Salgo.
O’Neill alleges breaches of the Fair Work Act, including claims of unpaid bonuses and unlawful dismissal.
The case, first reported by The Guardian, is due to be heard by Justice Michael Lee, who previously oversaw the Bruce Lehrmann defamation case. A first case management hearing is scheduled for 8 September.
Role and remuneration agreement
According to documents filed with the court, O’Neill joined The Wiggles as a consultant on 1 April 2023, before being appointed CEO on 8 January 2024.
His employment contract, dated 5 March 2024, outlined a range of responsibilities including the development and execution of revenue strategies, budget management, hiring oversight, and financial reporting.
The agreement also set out financial terms: an annual bonus of 5 per cent of EBITDA, and a 7 per cent exit bonus calculated from the same metric.
Anthony Field and his daughter, Lucia.
Complaints raised during tenure
Court documents indicate that during his time as CEO, O’Neill raised concerns about internal decision-making and expenditure:
• In May or June 2024, he objected to a special bonus arrangement made for a friend of Field’s and for the boyfriend of Field’s daughter, describing it as “without approval and in contrast with the usual employee bonus scheme,” which he said was 15 per cent of base salary.
• In October 2024, he challenged hiring decisions related to performances in Canberra.
• In December 2024, he raised concerns about budget pressures linked to hiring Field’s nephew, engaging a director from New Zealand, and repeated air travel expenses for a friend of Field’s daughter.
• In January 2025, O’Neill says he challenged additional hires not approved by himself or the company. He also alleges that on or around 18 February, Field “questioned his competence” during a staff meeting attended by approximately 13 employees and “undermined him.”
• By April 2025, O’Neill said he had been excluded from a meeting with Kmart regarding the sale of Wiggles-branded toys. Around the same time, he raised concerns about his bonus, stating his eligibility had been affected by budget overruns “mostly due to [Field’s] conduct.”
• In a related conversation, director Simon Pryce reportedly agreed that O’Neill’s performance warranted a salary increase from July 2025, citing business growth from $2 million in FY23 to a forecast $6.5–$7 million in FY25. O’Neill also said that board members gave positive feedback during this period.
Former Wiggles CEO Luke O’Neill
Termination and financial dispute
O’Neill’s employment was terminated on 28 May 2025. He claims the dismissal was without just cause and constitutes adverse action under the Fair Work Act.
He was paid a bonus of $86,266 on or about 15 July 2025, which he claims is below what he is entitled to under the terms of his contract.
Legal response pending
At the time of publication, The Wiggles, Field, and Salgo had not filed a defence in the proceedings. The matter will return to court in September, where it will be assessed under the general protections provisions of the Fair Work Act.