The exploitation of backpackers on working holiday visas is rife and demands an urgent overhaul of the migration scheme, a parliamentary inquiry has been warned.
The inquiry into the Working Holiday Maker program is examining these concerns along with the scheme's value to the Australian economy and tourism, and labour challenges faced during the coronavirus pandemic.
“The fundamental shortcomings of this visa class … both disadvantage workers and provide fertile ground for unscrupulous employers to exploit those workers.”Hsien Tan Chen, 31, claims he has been a victim of underpayment during his time on a working holiday visa. He said he now wants to be an advocate for others on working with employment providers and becoming vulnerable to exploitation.
Despite making up around one per cent of the total workforce, they account for almost seven per cent of the Fair Work Ombudsman’s active case load, the committee heard.Fair Work Ombudsman executive director engagement Louise Peters said education programs directed towards working holiday makers about their working rights remained a priority.
Mr Kunkel said the limit discourages temporary migrant workers from raising safety or wage theft concerns without unfair sacking protection.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Former NSW Labor leader to chair troubled public insurerFormer NSW Labor leader John Robertson will be tasked with overhauling the state's troubled insurer icare.
Read more »
'Work from home': Albanese delivers vision for regional AustraliaLabor leader Anthony Albanese is calling for a reshaping of how Australians view working from regions after the coronavirus pandemic.
Read more »
No journalists from Australian media left in China following diplomatic stand-offAustralia has lost a vital on-the-ground perspective on what is happening in China following the 'deeply disturbing' evacuation of the final two journalists from Australian media outlets in the country, an expert says.
Read more »
Australian women and children snatched from Syria's al-Hawl camp in 'deeply concerning' incidentFour women and 10 children were reportedly handcuffed and taken from the al-Hawl camp in northeast Syria late on Saturday night, with advocates expressing serious concern for their safety.
Read more »
No journalists for Australian media left in China following diplomatic stand-offAustralia has lost a vital on-the-ground perspective on what is happening in China following the 'deeply disturbing' evacuation of the final two journalists working for Australian media outlets in the country, an expert says.
Read more »
Staycations and backpacking push launched to get locals to holiday in WA and fill regional jobsThe WA Government is encouraging locals to enjoy a staycation in Perth's CBD or don a backpack and head to the regions in a bid to stimulate the hospitality, tourism and agricultural sectors.
Read more »