Welcome to the latest edition of the Migrant Workers Centre newsletter.
In this update, we share what’s been happening across our community — from the latest research and legal wins, to updates on our workshops and campaigns.
You’ll also hear from migrant workers who’ve been affected by the Fair Entitlements Guarantee and learn how you can support our call to extend this scheme to all workers.
The Migrant Workers Centre offers free and confidential advice to any worker who was born overseas.
Our service is open to all people born outside Australia who work or live in Victoria, including refugees and asylum seekers, international students, working holiday visa holders, other temporary visa holders, permanent residents, and citizens.
Learn how to connect with Migrant Workers Centre for guidance on workplace matters or get support.
Legal help
Join us for our next Research Webinar – the first in a new series featuring PhD candidates and early career researchers.
📅 Wednesday June 18
📍 Online – free and open to all
Ema Moolchand presents on the Meat the Reality project at RMIT, sharing worker-generated photography that tells the stories of PALM workers in the meat industry.
Emily Foley explores how the Albanese government has shaped temporary labour migration policies and what this means for building fairer systems.
Whether you're a researcher, student, or advocate for migrant worker justice – we’d love to see you there.
RSVP here
Whether you're about to start work or looking for your first job in Australia, we’re here to help.
Support includes:
- Resume and cover letter checks
- Job search strategies
- Help with applications and pre-employment requirements
- Info about your rights at work
📍 Study Melbourne Hub, 17 Hardware Lane, Melbourne
🕐 Mon–Wed: 1–5PM | Thurs–Fri: 10AM–5PM
📱 Book online: https://form.typeform.com/to/Wg64tpe0
Available in English and Spanish. Interpreters provided.
"Living abroad, away from your family and culture, is a great adventure, but it can also be quite challenging. Therefore, having someone sitting down with you to answer your questions and give you advice on the best ways to find a job, or solve a work problem, can be very helpful."
"The idea is to provide you with the right information so you can make the right choices."
Andres Trevino, International Student Worker Advocate
Suga's story
When Suga moved to Australia to work in childcare, she faced bullying and visa exploitation. After being unfairly dismissed, she found help at the Migrant Workers Centre.
With our support and the Workplace Justice Visa, Suga was able to stay in Australia, take action, and win her case.
“I felt heard and respected. I couldn’t have done this on my own.”
Suga's story
Our free Know Your Rights at Work sessions are now even more flexible. You can tailor them to suit your community’s needs—choose from a core presentation and add topics that matter most to your group.
Since 2018, we've helped thousands of workers understand their rights, avoid exploitation, and access free support. Book a session today and empower your community.
Learn more
With your donation, we can expand our reach and continue delivering essential services to migrant workers across Victoria and beyond.
Here's how your contribution will make an impact:
Expand Know your Rights sessions
Your donation will help us take our free, in-language sessions to regional Victoria, ensuring migrant workers in all corners of the state have access to vital information about their rights at work.
Support our Research and Policy team
This will allow us to amplify our advocacy for stronger migrant worker rights and drive change at a national level.
Strengthen our legal support
For migrant workers across Australia, making a lasting impact on their lives and their rights at work.
Become a monthly donor
Join our community of regular supporters and enjoy exclusive content and a free MWC sticker pack as a thank you for your commitment to supporting migrant workers.
Donate today
Have you or someone you know experienced workplace exploitation in Australia while on a temporary visa?
You may be eligible for the Workplace Justice visa – a special visa that lets temporary visa holders stay in Australia while taking legal action.
To help workers understand their rights and apply for this visa, we've created a easy-to-understand A4 fact sheet.
Access the A4 fact sheet here
Right now, migrant workers are excluded from FEG—a scheme that helps Australian workers recover unpaid wages when businesses collapse.
Watch ABC's coverage
We’re calling on the government to:
- Extend FEG to all workers—no exceptions
- Include unpaid super
- Close loopholes for dodgy bosses
- Ensure workers are paid, even if the business disappears
