The Migrant Workers' Taskforce was established in 2016 to identify proposals for improvements in law, law enforcement and investigation, and other practical measures to more quickly identify and rectify any cases of migrant worker exploitation.
Migrant Workers' Taskforce overview
The then government released the report of the Migrant Workers' Taskforce and Government Response on 7 March 2019 accepting, in principle, all 22 recommendations.
The Taskforce, chaired by Professor Allan Fels AO and Dr David Cousins AM, made recommendations aimed at improving workplace protections for vulnerable migrant workers.
The Australian Government is committed to implementing the recommendations of the Migrant Workers’ Taskforce as part of its Plan to Build a Stronger Pacific Family.
Download a copy of the report and the government response:
- Report of the Migrant Workers' Taskforce
- Appendix D to the Migrant Workers' Taskforce Report - Research into the Information Needs of Vulnerable Temporary Migrant Workers about Workplace Laws
- Government Response to the Migrant Workers' Taskforce Report
Members included:
- Department of Jobs and Small Business
- Fair Work Ombudsman
- Department of Home Affairs
- Australian Border Force
- Attorney-General's Department
- Department of Education and Training
- Australian Taxation Office
- Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
- Australian Securities and Investment Commission
- Department of Agriculture and Water Resources
- other relevant agencies with responsibilities that impact on exploitation of migrant workers, as required.
Compliance Information for Employers and Migrant Workers
For workers
Migrant workers are entitled to the same workplace rights and protections as Australian citizens, regardless of their visa status. This includes migrant workers whose visas have expired, all types of undocumented migrant workers, and people who might only work for a short time.
To check your minimum wages and conditions, visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
The Fair Work Ombudsman can also help if you have a workplace problem. For example, if you think you're not getting the right pay or if something doesn't seem right at work. If you need help, call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94. If you need an interpreter, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.
If you, or someone you know, has a problem at work but you don't want to share your personal information, you can tell the Fair Work Ombudsman about it through the anonymous report form.
For employers
Migrant workers are entitled to the same workplace rights and protections as Australian citizens, regardless of their visa status. This includes migrant workers whose visas have expired, all types of undocumented migrant workers, and people who might only work for a short time.
These are set out in Australia's workplace laws and are not negotiable.
The Fair Work Ombudsman can give you information and advice to help you understand your workplace rights and responsibilities.
To check your obligations and your employee's minimum pay and conditions, visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website. If you need additional help understanding Australian workplace laws call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94.
If you need an interpreter, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.
More information
Migrant Workers' Taskforce - Terms of Reference