Starting from 1 July 2024, the Strengthening Employer Compliance Act brings new measures to protect migrant workers from exploitation. This legislation aims to ensure fair treatment for all workers and create a level playing field for businesses doing the right thing.
📢📢 Key highlights of the Act include:
- New Offences and Penalties: Employers and intermediaries face criminal charges for coercing or exploiting migrant workers based on their visa status.
- Expanded Protections: The Act covers a broad range of exploitative practices, from underpayment and excessive work hours to threats and inadequate living conditions.
- Ministerial Powers: The Minister can now prohibit certain individuals and businesses from hiring migrant workers, and a public list of such prohibited entities will be maintained.
- Enhanced Compliance Framework: Increased penalties, compliance notices, and enforceable undertakings ensure stricter adherence to the new laws.
These changes are designed to reduce exploitation, increase employer compliance, and improve justice for migrant workers. The Act also aligns employment and migration laws more closely, enhancing the integrity of Australia’s immigration system.
Quotes attributable to Minister Giles:
“Just like our plan to give every Australian taxpayer a tax cut, the Government’s legislation will benefit all workers across the economy – visa holders and Australians alike.”
It is crucial for employers to understand the new requirements and ensure their practices are compliant. As these changes come into effect, it is essential for both employers and workers to stay informed and adhere to the new regulations.
At Migration Affairs, we are dedicated to supporting our clients in understanding and complying with these new laws. For advice and guidance, we strongly recommend seeking legal immigration advice from our experts at Migration Affairs.
Changes to the migration program can occur without notice. The above information is not intended to be legal advice and is correct as of the date of writing this article.
Contact Migrations Affairs to speak with our immigration experts for tailored advice on the circumstances and eligibility.
