In Australia, New Ministerial Working Group Desires Protect Foreign Workers

17 Oct 2015

To protect the vulnerable foreign workers in the nation, new ministerial working group has been set up in Australia.

Employment Minister Michaelia Cash has said that strong action is required to stamp out exploitation particularly for foreign workers.

The government has been resolute in efforts to catch those seeking to take advantage of foreign workers while they ensure these workers are better educated about their rights while in Australia, however, more should be done, added cash.

Foreign workers are significant contributors to the Australian workforce. We know that foreign workers are potentially more vulnerable to workplace exploitation and as such we do responsibility to investigate additional measures to ensure their protection, said Cash. 

She also explained that Australian Govt is already taking concerted action to catch and penalize all those who exploit foreign workers.

During the past three years, the Fair work Ombudsman has dealt with over 6000 requests for assistance from the visa holders, and they have recovered more than $4 million in outstanding wages as well as entitlements.

Cash has said protecting the foreign workers in Australia is a complex issue, cutting across work place relations, corporation’s laws and migration.

I am much pleased with my colleagues who agreed to undertake this important work to coordinate better actions across govt and look at what solutions our laws might offer to stamp out.

She explained that, working group does determine changes to Fair work act are essential, these would be taken to next election, consistent with Coalition’s commitment made in the year 2013.

The govt is committed to ensuring working group would not create an extra burden on businesses. This group would focus on getting fair outcomes for workers, not creating red tape and cost for businesses said cash.

The Government message is very clear that only businesses must be concerned are those doing the wrong thing. 

For more information about this, please fill out Free assessment form.  One of our consultants will get back to you. For more updates follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Google+