Media Highlights Repository — Migrant Justice Institute

Rebecca Payne

Migrant workers have long been too scared to report employer misconduct. A new visa could change this

Migrant workers have long been too scared to report employer misconduct. A new visa could change this

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.

Australia has a new Workplace Justice visa

Australia has a new Workplace Justice visa

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. 

Ni-Vanuatu women unite to overcome seasonal work 'nightmare'

Ni-Vanuatu women unite to overcome seasonal work 'nightmare'

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.

Half of 4,000 interveiwed migrant workers being underpayed, research shows

Half of 4,000 interveiwed migrant workers being underpayed, research shows

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.

Recovering lost wages is nearly impossible for Australia’s underpaid migrant workers. Here’s how to fix the problem

Recovering lost wages is nearly impossible for Australia’s underpaid migrant workers. Here’s how to fix the problem

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.

New Australian law is a victory for migrant workers

New Australian law is a victory for migrant workers

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.

Ending the silence on migrant worker exploitation

Ending the silence on migrant worker exploitation

CHOICE | Andy Kollmorgen

“I think that we as a society have come to expect low prices when it comes to things like fruit and vegetables and takeaway shops on sort of the lower end of the restaurant and hospitality scale. But the business model often relies on underpayment of temporary visa holders."

Over 70,000 people live in Australia illegally ... many are vulnerable to exploitation

Over 70,000 people live in Australia illegally ... many are vulnerable to exploitation

ABC | Katri Uibu

“University of Technology Sydney academic Laurie Berg said: "I think employers routinely take advantage of that and it actually is a business model in some industries, where employers will seek out undocumented workers in order to avoid compliance with Australian labour law."

Submission: AHRC Amendment (Costs Protection) Bill 2023 [Provisions]

Submission: AHRC Amendment (Costs Protection) Bill 2023 [Provisions]

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.

Backpackers spared from migration overhaul

Backpackers spared from migration overhaul

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.”

Labor could ignore calls for working holiday visa limits

Labor could ignore calls for working holiday visa limits

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)

“Head in the sand”: Student work, rebate changes to inflame childcare shortages

“Head in the sand”: Student work, rebate changes to inflame childcare shortages

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.”

 

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