Bold plan for immigration overhaul will address Australia’s future needs

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Since the mid-1990s, these important principles have been unwound. Governments moved away from tripartism and marginalised unions, whose representation had been vital for protecting migrant workers from unscrupulous employers. Temporary visa schemes with barriers to social and workplace rights were significantly expanded. Migrant workers’ ability to leave exploitative employment relationships was restricted, most notably for those on employer-sponsored visas.

Our research has documented how these shifts in Australia’s immigration policies created a guest worker regime under which migrants’ capacity to bargain for decent working conditions is curtailed and their agency to pursue opportunities available to citizens and permanent residents is diminished. Temporary migrants’ ability to seek redress if they are mistreated is limited by visa rules that place considerable power in the hands of employers.

The Parkinson review provides a blueprint for fixing these problems. Involving unions, employer associations and government will ensure that immigration policy meets the needs of workers, employers and the national interest. Restoring the principle of universality will address inequalities suffered by migrants. Allowing migrant workers mobility between employers will reduce a key source of mistreatment.

Previous reviews have identified failings of the immigration system only for their recommendations to be ignored. The Migrant Workers’ Taskforce chaired by Allan Fels made extensive recommendations to address migrant worker exploitation, but previous governments failed to implement them despite promises to do so.

This time might be different. Minister O’Neil has declared the immigration system “broken” and pledged wholesale reform.

Immigration has a vital role to play in addressing challenges that Australia will face in coming decades. It is vital the government acts upon the Parkinson Review’s recommendations.

Associate Professors Chris F Wright and Stephen Clibborn teach and research at the University of Sydney Business School where they are co-directors of the Sydney Employment Relations Research Group.

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