'Everyone deserves a fair go in their workplace'

29 March 2023

Comment from the NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner on the Australian Government’s Protecting Worker Entitlements Bill

I welcome the announcement by the federal Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, the Hon Tony Burke MP, that the Australian Government will be introducing the Protecting Worker Entitlements Bill to Parliament this week. 

Everyone deserves a fair go in their workplace. 

This proposed legislation includes important measures that will reduce vulnerability to modern slavery in NSW and ensure equal access to workplace protections. 

I particularly welcome the efforts to ensure that no migrant worker is excluded from workplace protections based on their immigration status. 

By clarifying that migrant workers are entitled to the same workplace protections as other Australians under the Fair Work Act 2009, this Bill will help ensure workplace abuse does not escalate to modern slavery.

Migrant workers are among those at greatest risk of modern slavery in NSW.  

Research released in 2022 by Unions NSW points to widespread exploitation of migrant workers in Australia, particularly in the horticultural, hospitality, retail, and cleaning industries.

Workplace abuse and exploitation, including wage theft, retention of passports, deceptive recruitment and financial manipulation can indicate the presence of modern slavery such as forced labour, debt bondage or even servitude.

Migrant workers face particular barriers to reporting abuse and exploitation in their workplaces. They often fear placing their visa status in jeopardy, and fear retaliation by traffickers and abusers against overseas family members, as highlighted in recent research from the Migrant Justice Institute and Human Rights Law Centre.

I look forward to the passage of this important legislation and encourage the Australian Government to implement it in a way that addresses the valid security concerns of migrant workers and their families.