End migrant worker exploitation

Sadly, in the 21st century, Australia is not immune to modern forms of slavery-like conditions and migrant worker exploitation.

Serious concerns have been raised by workers, farmers, academics, unions, community organisations and industry groups that temporary migrant workers are vulnerable to exploitation, wage theft and even physical and sexual abuse.

Experts estimate that up to 80 per cent of migrant workers are being paid below the legal minimum.

With just over 2.2 million migrants on a temporary visa of some type, Australia has the second-largest migrant workforce in the world.

Unfortuantely, there exists criminal syndicates and rogue labour hire firms that seek to traffic people into Australia through the exploitation of our visa system. These workers are in highly vulnerable situations, fearful of authorities and trying to navigate a complex visa system.

The Senate established a special Select Committee to investigate issues related to temporary migration and migrant worker exploitation.

This committee investigated the impact temporary migration has on both the Australian economy and our community, and how it is failing to meet our country’s needs.

As chair, I traveled around Australia to hear from members of our community about their experiences with temporary migration and how we can work together to develop policy responses to the challenges it poses.