Fair Work Ombudsman
Citation: FWO-2026-02-26-sadamatsu-litigation-media-release
At a glance
- Penalty
- $162,000
- Employees affected
- 82
What happened
The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against Katsuyoshi ‘Ken’ Sadamatsu, a former part-owner and manager of the ‘Miso World Square’ Japanese restaurant in Sydney. It is alleged that between June 2020 and September 2022, Mr Sadamatsu was involved in knowingly underpaying 82 workers, primarily cooks, kitchen attendants, and wait staff, a total of over $162,000. The alleged underpayments included flat hourly rates of $19 to $27, failing to pay overtime, penalty rates, accrued annual leave, split-shift allowances, and breaches of record-keeping laws. Many of the affected workers were visa holders from Thailand, Indonesia, and Japan, with 36 being young workers aged 19 to 24. The restaurant closed in 2024 and the employer, Miso Pty Ltd, was deregistered.
What was decided
The Fair Work Ombudsman is seeking penalties against Katsuyoshi ‘Ken’ Sadamatsu for multiple alleged breaches of the Fair Work Act. He faces penalties of up to $133,200 per breach for serious contraventions and $13,320 for other breaches. The FWO also seeks orders to rectify the alleged underpayments, including interest and superannuation. A directions hearing is scheduled for March 12, 2026, in the Federal Circuit and Family Court in Sydney. The Ombudsman highlighted the importance of protecting vulnerable workers and improving compliance in the restaurant sector.
What it means for employers
Employers, particularly those in the restaurant and hospitality sectors, must ensure they are complying with workplace laws and paying correct wages, including overtime and penalty rates. Previous compliance issues and cautions do not provide immunity from future action. Employers should be aware of the vulnerability of migrant workers and young workers and take steps to protect them.
What it means for employees
Migrant workers and young workers have the same workplace rights and protections as other employees. If you believe you have been underpaid or exploited, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for assistance. The Fair Work Ombudsman encourages workers to report any concerns about their pay or working conditions.
Every statement above is drawn from the published decision. Read the original here:
https://www.fairwork.gov.au/newsroom/media-releases/2026-media-releases/february-2026/20260226-sadamatsu-litigation-media-releaseWant more cases like this?
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This summary was drafted by AI from the published decision and reviewed before publishing. It is general information, not legal advice. For your specific situation, speak to the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified lawyer. About these summaries & corrections →