Government launches Ministerial Working Group to tackle exploitation of international workers

Employment Minister, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash announced yesterday the establishment of a Ministerial Working Group to consider further policy options to protect vulnerable foreign workers in Australia.

The Ministerial Working Group protecting vulnerable visa holders, chaired by Minister Cash, also includes the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton MP, Minister for Justice Michael Keenan MP and Small Business Minister and Assistant Treasurer Kelly O’Dwyer MP.

“Foreign workers are important contributors to the Australian workforce and we want to ensure they continue to view Australia as a great destination,” Minister Cash said.

“We know that foreign workers are potentially more vulnerable to workplace exploitation and as such we have a responsibility to investigate additional measures to ensure their protection.”

“This working group will focus on getting fair outcomes for workers, not creating red tape and cost for businesses,” Cash said.

“The government’s message is very clear – the only businesses that should be concerned are those doing the wrong thing.”

Minister Cash said the Australian Government is already taking concerted action to catch and penalise those who exploit foreign workers and ensures the Working Group will not create an extra burden on businesses.

 

REFERENCE

https://ministers.employment.gov.au/cash/ministerial-working-group-help-protect-vulnerable-foreign-workers