Migrant Workers' Taskforce report calls for jail time for systemic exploitation

Employers found to have engaged in deliberate and systemic underpayment of migrant workers could face jail time, following a review that found wage underpayment was "widespread" and "entrenched". Key points: The Migrant Workers' Taskforce report found as many of half of Australia's foreign workers are being underpaid The Federal Government has agreed "in principle" to the taskforce's 22 recommendations Recommendations include introducing criminal sanctions, such as jail time and fines, against employers exploiting workers The review of regulations and protections for foreign workers found as many as half of almost 880,000 migrant workers in the country may be being underpaid. No tolerance for undercutting workers' pay Criminal sanctions, such as jail time and fines, would give a "clear signal to unscrupulous employers that exploitation of migrant workers is unacceptable, and the consequences of doing so can be severe", the report concluded. She also welcomed suggested changes that strengthen the Fair Work Ombudsman's investigative powers and tougher penalties, and said the ASBFEO supports the labour hire registration scheme "in principle, as long as it is doesn't add red tape and increase costs".