27 July 2026

The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action for a third time against a Melbourne business operator for his latest alleged instance of underpaying migrant workers.

Facing the Federal Circuit and Family Court is Todd Patrick Buzza, a sole trader.

The Fair Work Ombudsman alleges Mr Buzza underpaid two visa holders he employed as casual labourers at his residential construction business a total of $5,255 for short periods of work in 2023 and 2024.

Registered names for Mr Buzza’s business have included ‘Complete Building and Plaster’ and ‘Key West Building’.

The Fair Work Ombudsman investigated after receiving requests for assistance from an American worker aged 23 at time of employment and a worker from the United Kingdom.

It is alleged Mr Buzza paid the American worker just $1,300 for four weeks of work, with $3,931 remaining outstanding.

Mr Buzza allegedly paid the other employee just $600 for one-and-a-half weeks of work, with $1,324 remaining outstanding.

It is alleged the workers were underpaid their entitlements under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020, including their minimum rates, industry and travel allowances, casual loadings, payment for the minimum engagement period, weekend rates and overtime.

The Fair Work Ombudsman is also alleging breaches of laws relating to frequency of pay, record-keeping, issuing pay slips, and the requirements to provide employees with written details of casual employment and information statements.

The latest allegations come after two previous legal actions by the Fair Work Ombudsman resulted in Mr Buzza and his company Rum Runner Trading Pty Ltd being penalised more than $300,000 in court in 2018 for “extraordinary” conduct relating to the underpayment of young and migrant workers at a Melbourne burger bar.

Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth said the repeated nature of Mr Buzza’s alleged conduct meant that legal action was the only appropriate response.

“It is extremely disappointing to have to commence legal action against an individual for a third time. The alleged conduct in this matter is serious and completely unacceptable,” Ms Booth said.

“We are committed to taking action to protect visa holders in this country and ensure that employers who breach the law are held to account.

“Employers should also be aware that taking action to protect young and migrant workers and improve compliance in the building and construction sector are priorities for the FWO.

“Any workers with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact us for free advice and assistance.”

The FWO is seeking penalties in court for Mr Buzza’s multiple alleged breaches of the Fair Work Act. Mr Buzza faces penalties of up to $18,780 per breach.

A directions hearing is listed in the Federal Circuit and Family Court in Melbourne on 5 August 2026.

The Fair Work Ombudsman filed 171 litigations against employers involving visa holder workers, and secured $39 million in penalties in cases that have included visa holder workers, in the eight financial years to June 2025.

The Fair Work Ombudsman recovered more than $17 million in unpaid entitlements for employees across the building and construction sector in the three years to June 2025.

Employers and employees can visit www.fairwork.gov.au or call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 for free advice and assistance. An interpreter service is available on 13 14 50. Employees can also seek information from their employer or their union, if they are a union member.

Resources, including for independent contractors, are available on our building and construction sector webpage.

Employers can seek information from their employer association if they are a member, and also use the FWO’s pay calculator and Small Business Showcase.

The FWO has an online anonymous report tool, including options to report in languages other than English, and information for migrant workers, including on protections for their visas, is available at our visa holders and migrants webpage.

Information is available for employees and employers on our young workers and students webpages.