Successive reports from Federal Government, State Government and research institutes such as The McKell Institute, have pointed to a lack of English proficiency, awareness of Australia’s workplace laws, and access to support systems, as key facilitators of this poor treatment.
Migrant workers are identified by SafeWork NSW as a particularly vulnerable group to workplace health and safety risks.
This has led to migrant workers being paid as little as $3 an hour, others have been threatened with visa cancellation, had their passport withheld by employers, been pressured into paying an up-front payments for a job, or have had workplace entitlements such as paid leave refused.
The NSW Migrant Workers Centre will see multicultural organisations and unions partner together to ensure that support for at risk workers is culturally sensitive and accessible.
In tackling the exploitation of migrant workers, the NSW Government is also ensuring bad operators do not drive down safety, pay or working conditions for the wider workforce.
Earlier this year, SafeWork NSW produced an issues paper on migrant workers which examined options to better support migrant workers, in particular looking at options for a Migrant Worker Centre.
The Premier’s Department, Multicultural NSW and Safework NSW will work together to undertake targeted sector consultation to understand the best service delivery model for the centre.
Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:
“We are committed to stamping out the exploitation of all workers in NSW.
“Migrant workers are some of the most at risk in our state and this centre will be a key place for them to access the support they need to avoid exploitation at work.
“Addressing the exploitation of migrant workers will also help combat dodgy operators from driving down safety, pay or working conditions for the entire workforce.
Acting Minister for Multiculturalism Rose Jackson said:
“Migrants and migrant workers have made historic contributions to this state. As we continue to grow, we need to ensure migrant workers are properly protected as we build for the future.
“By raising the standard of working conditions for migrant workers, we are ensuring there is a level playing field for all workers in NSW.
“Everyone is entitled to rights in the workplace, everyone is entitled to a fair go.
