Driza Bone is being sued by Queensland’s Commissioner of State Revenue for more than $80,000 in unpaid taxes.

The infamous Australian brand, established in 1898, and made famous by its oilskin coats was bought by wool exporters Mark MacKinnon and William Lempriere in 2008.

In a claim filed in the Queensland District Court on January 7, the commissioner of State Revenue said the clothing manufacturer needed to pay $A83,012.36 in unpaid payroll tax and the associated interest charges.

“The defendant has failed to pay any monies owing to (the commissioner), and the amount of $83,012.36 remains due and owing,” the statement of claims read.

But Mr Mackinnon told Rural Press this week that the outstanding amount was the result of an oversight.

He said he had only been informed of the matter last week and had already made the arrangements to pay the money quickly.

“It’s just one of those issues that we were not aware of,” Mr Mackinnon said.

Mr Mackinnon said Driza Bone had been in a “fair mess” when he and Mr Lempriere took ownership but was confident of turning the company around.

He said Driza Bone’s February orders had increased by 30 to 60 per cent across the range compared with the previous year, and was in no doubt his first clothing range set for release next month would sell well.

The new basewear clothing comprising in part of Merino wool will feature strongly in the new range.

The unpaid tax is from the 2008-09 financial year, and July, August and September last year.