New bill criminalises exploitation because of immigration status
The Australian Parliament on Wednesday passed with unanimous support the reforms that introduce stronger measures to protect migrant workers from exploitation.
The Migration Amendment (Strengthening Employer Compliance) Bill 2023, which takes effect on July 1, makes it a criminal offence for employers to force or unduly influnence migrant workers to work in breach of their visa conditions.
The law also grants the minister authority to bar employers from hiring any migrant workers on temporary visas if they are found guilty of exploitation.
"Under our new laws, it doesn't matter if that company is a multinational giant or a hundred years old – if exploitation is happening, they’ll get a knock at the door," said Immigration Minister Andrew Giles in a media release.
"This reform is a win for all workers – and could not have been achieved without the bravery of those who spoke up and told their story."
Unions welcome law to protect migrant workers
The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) said it welcomes the Parliament's move to pass the bill.
"For too many employers, exploiting temporary migrant workers is a business model. We commend the Albanese government for taking action to protect migrant workers and increase the penalties for employers who see temporary migrant workers as an easy target for exploitation," said ACTU president Michele O'Neil in a statement.
According to ACTU, the changes will serve as a "serious deterrent" to employers considering of taking advantage of migrant workers.
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"This new law, and the actions outlined in the government's Migration Strategy released at the end of last year, are critical to ensuring all workers in Australia are treated fairly," O'Neil said.