Migrant Worker Exploitation Unacceptable
For many years ACRATH has advocated for migrant workers to have improved access to information about their rights as workers in Australia and for the licencing of labour hire firms as one means of reducing labour exploitation. Exploitation of migrant workers in Australia is not to be tolerated.
In 2016 the Federal Government established the Migrant Workers Taskforce to review the unsrupulous practices of underpayment and exploitation of migrant workers and to advise on measures to deliver better protection for migrant workers. The Taskforce report was released by the Hon Kelly O’Dwyer MP, Minister for Jobs and Small Business, on 7th March 2019. The report consists of 22 recommendations. ACRATH welcomes these recommendations which include the establishment of a National Labour Hire Registration Scheme, increased resources for the Fairwork Ombudsman to focus on the protection of migrant workers and a number of measures to improve workers access to information about their rights as workers in Australia. ACRATH is also pleased that the Taskforce recommendations have been accepted in principle by the Federal Government. In a media release concerning the report Minister O’Dwyer said:
“The exploitation of workers in Australian workplaces is not only illegal, it harms individuals, undercuts law-abiding employers and reflects poorly on Australia’s international reputation.”
To access the Migrant Workers Taskforce Report and the Government Response to the Report click on the following links:
