It’s important to know that migrants, whether they are citizens or on visa, have the same rights as every other Australian.
The Fair Work Ombudsman provides information and advice about workplace rules in Australia.
Mark Lee, who is their director of media, recommends you go on their website to make sure you’re paid what you’re entitled to.
If you’re in Australia under a visa, it’s your responsibility to learn about your visa conditions before you start working.
It’s especially important that you know what you’re allowed to do and entitled to, because being new to Australia makes you more vulnerable to exploitation.
One in five complaints lodged at the Fair Work Ombudsman comes from people on visa.
They also represent half of the cases going to court.
Mark Lee said that most often, they're worried about what will happen to their visa status if they approach us for help. So the Fair Work Ombudsman would strongly encourage people to have a look at our website and have a look at the protection that we can offer."
You need to know that an employer can’t cancel your visa, and that you won’t lose your visa for reporting exploitation.
Mark Lee says the Fair Work Ombudsman offers information and tools in several languages.
"Our website has information in 30 different languages. We also have an anonymous tip-off form online so if you're concerned about revealing your identity, you can keep that private and you can use our anonymous tip-off tool and that's available in 16 languages other than English.” Mark Lee said.
Workers in Australia are also entitled to a safe workplace.
Go to safworkaustralia.gov.au to find out who is the safe work regulator in your state.
As with the Fair Work Ombudsman, you can access an interpreter through TIS National to speak to them.
Useful links:
Report a workplace concern anonymously <https://www.fairwork.gov.au/how-we-will-help/how-we-help-you/anonymous-tipoff>
Information for visa holders and migrants <https://www.fairwork.gov.au/find-help-for/visa-holders-and-migrants>
