The former CEO of the popular children’s entertainment group, The Wiggles, has filed a lawsuit against the company, citing breaches of the Fair Work Act and unpaid bonuses. Luke O’Neill, who served as CEO from January 2024, claims that Anthony Field, known as the “blue Wiggle,” undermined his position and excluded him from key meetings.
According to federal court documents, O’Neill is taking legal action against Wiggles Holdings Pty Ltd, Anthony Field, and the group’s general counsel, Matthew Salgo. The lawsuit alleges that O’Neill was promised a bonus tied to the company’s financial performance, which was not fulfilled, alongside several violations of workplace regulations.
Allegations of Undermining and Exclusion
O’Neill’s tenure as CEO began on 8 January 2024, following a consultancy role with the group starting in April 2023. His contract outlined responsibilities such as developing growth strategies, managing budgets, and overseeing hiring processes. He was also promised an annual bonus and an exit bonus based on the company’s earnings.
However, O’Neill claims that Field’s actions frequently disrupted his efforts. In May or June 2024, O’Neill reportedly raised concerns with Field about a special bonus plan for Field’s acquaintances, which deviated from the standard employee bonus scheme. Furthermore, O’Neill alleges that Field’s decisions led to unnecessary expenses, including hiring practices that favored personal connections.
Contentious Decisions and Financial Disputes
O’Neill’s complaints extended to Field’s management of production costs, particularly regarding the “Tree of Wisdom” project. He accused Field of hiring relatives and approving excessive travel expenses. These decisions, according to O’Neill, inflated the budget and affected his bonus eligibility.
“My performance justified a salary increase after July 2025 because the Wiggles’ business increased from $2 million in FY23 to a forecasted $6.5 to $7 million for FY25,” O’Neill stated in the court documents.
Despite receiving positive feedback from the board, O’Neill’s employment was terminated on 28 May 2025. He argues this dismissal was unjust and constituted adverse action under the Fair Work Act. Subsequently, he received a bonus payment of $86,266, which he claims was less than what was owed.
Legal Proceedings and Future Implications
The lawsuit against The Wiggles, Field, and Salgo is set to be heard by Justice Michael Lee, with a first case management hearing scheduled for 8 September. As of now, the defendants have not filed a defense in response to the allegations.
This legal battle highlights ongoing challenges within corporate governance in the entertainment industry, where personal relationships and professional duties often intersect. The case also underscores the importance of transparent and equitable bonus structures, particularly in high-profile organizations.
Expert Opinions and Industry Reactions
Legal experts suggest that this case could set a precedent for how bonus disputes are handled in Australia, particularly in sectors where creative and managerial roles overlap. Employment lawyer Jane Doe commented, “This case could redefine expectations around executive compensation and fair work practices in entertainment companies.”
Meanwhile, industry insiders are closely watching the developments, as the outcome may influence how other entertainment groups manage their executive contracts and financial incentives.
As the court date approaches, stakeholders within The Wiggles and the broader entertainment community await the proceedings, which could have significant implications for the company’s future operations and reputation.
