The Law Report | Damien Carrick
Damien spoke to one of the first exploited migrant workers to obtain the new workplace justice visa.
He also interviewed our Co-Executive Director Laurie Berg about our All Work, No Pay report.
Today, the Australian government introduced world-leading visa reforms based on our 2023 proposal, Breaking the Silence, which was endorsed by over 40 organisations. A new ‘Workplace Justice visa’ enables migrants worker to stay in Australia to enforce their labour rights; while expolited workers who have breached their visa will have protections from visa cancellation while they take action against their employer.
The Guardian | Cait Kelly
Of the 4,000 migrant workers interviewed, over half were underpaid. Most knew this, but 9 in 10 did nothing. One went to court – but recovered none of their wages. It is not clear that wages claims are being systematically resolved via other legal forums or by the Fair Work Ombudsman, the report said.
The Conversation | Laurie Berg & Bassina Farbenblum
The widespread underpayment of migrant workers in Australia is now well-documented. The vast majority never recover the wages they are owed.
The Law Report | Damien Carrick
Damien spoke to one of the first exploited migrant workers to obtain the new workplace justice visa.
He also interviewed our Co-Executive Director Laurie Berg about our All Work, No Pay report.
The conversation | Laurie Berg & Bassina Farbenblum
Tragically, a deep fear of immigration consequences means most unlawful employer conduct goes unreported.
On Wednesday, however, the government officially launched a two-year pilot of innovative visa reforms that could bring these workers out of the shadows.
Today, the Australian government introduced world-leading visa reforms based on our 2023 proposal, Breaking the Silence, which was endorsed by over 40 organisations. A new ‘Workplace Justice visa’ enables migrants worker to stay in Australia to enforce their labour rights; while expolited workers who have breached their visa will have protections from visa cancellation while they take action against their employer.
ABC | Gabriella Marchant and Sean Mantesso
A case brought to the Federal Court by 12 Pacific Islander female workers alleges the group was subject to persistent sexual harassment.
Laurie Berg, co-executive director of the Migrant Justice Institute, says there is a "cycle of impunity" when it comes to the abuse of migrant workers.
New laws taking effect today introduce powerful portability rights for employer-sponsored migrant workers – among the strongest in the world. Globally, employer-tied visas trap migrant workers in exploitative work and create a profound power imbalance between abusive employers and migrants who cannot complain or leave their job.
The Guardian | Cait Kelly
Of the 4,000 migrant workers interviewed, over half were underpaid. Most knew this, but 9 in 10 did nothing. One went to court – but recovered none of their wages. It is not clear that wages claims are being systematically resolved via other legal forums or by the Fair Work Ombudsman, the report said.
The Conversation | Laurie Berg & Bassina Farbenblum
The widespread underpayment of migrant workers in Australia is now well-documented. The vast majority never recover the wages they are owed.
THE PIE | Sophie Hogan
A survey examining the degree to which international students are exploited while working in Australia is launching another edition in July.
Today, the Australian parliament passed an important law implementing reforms for which we have been campaigning for years with our allies. The new law decriminalising undocumented workers; confirms that workplace protections apply to all workers regardless of their migration status; strengthens the accountability of employers; and takes the first step towards visa protections for exploited workers.
We strongly support the passage of this bill in its current form and are proud to be part of the Power to Prevent Coalition that has advocated for this reform. In early 2024 we will release All Work No Pay, a report which will strongly encourage the Government to introduce similar amendments in relation to small claims.
AFR | Michael Read
“Advocates for limiting the working holiday program to one year argue the requirement to work in the regions left workers open to exploitation. A survey by the Migrant Justice Institute found that almost half of all working holidaymakers reported being paid well below the minimum wage.”
Australian Financial Review | Michael Read and Tom McIlroy
“Advocates for limiting the working holiday program to one year argue the requirement to work in the regions left workers open to exploitation. A survey by the Migrant Justice Institute found that almost half of all working holidaymakers reported being paid well below the minimum wage.”
(Subscriber only article)
In July 2023 the Australian government introduced the Migration Amendment (Strengthening Employer Compliance) Bill 2023 (Cth) taking up several of our recommendations. Working with Human Rights Law Centre and our other allies, Migrant Justice Institute has made submissions on the Bill and advocated for its amendment in one important respect.
Sydney Morning Herald | Angus Thompson
“University of Technology, Sydney, Associate Professor Laurie Berg, an expert in temporary labour migration, said that as of last month, there were 529,000 international students in the country. She said, according to a 2020 survey she conducted, 65 per cent of student visa holders held jobs.”
![Submission: AHRC Amendment (Costs Protection) Bill 2023 [Provisions]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/593f6d9fe4fcb5c458624206/1707271600441-NQYX0ZSUXPXYGJ5AXDA6/MJI+Submissions+%281%29.png)
