What is the Fair Entitlements Guarantee (FEG)?
The Fair Entitlements Guarantee (FEG) is a government scheme that provides financial assistance to workers who lose their job due to employer insolvency or bankruptcy.
FEG assistance is only available where there is no other source of funds to pay outstanding entitlements to eligible employees due to the insolvency of the employer. When an eligible claim is made, the Government pays the employee and then may seek to become a creditor to recoup these costs from the remaining assets of the employer during the liquidation process.
It helps recover unpaid entitlements, offering critical financial security during difficult times.
In 2019, the Migrant Workers’ Taskforce recommended extending the FEG to temporary migrant workers, a recommendation that was accepted by the Morrison Government but is yet to be legislated. Expanding the FEG scheme to cover all workers, regardless of migration status, will:
- Strengthen the integrity of Australia’s labour laws
- Reduce the risk of migrant worker exploitation
- Prevent rogue employers from using insolvency as a loophole to avoid their financial obligations'
The Problem: Temporary visa holders are excluded
- Despite their significant contributions to Australia’s economy, temporary visa holders are ineligible for FEG assistance.
- This exclusion leaves migrant workers without access to recover unpaid wages and entitlements when their employer becomes insolvent.
- It also creates loopholes that allow dodgy employers to exploit migrant workers while avoiding financial responsibility.
How you can help
No worker should be left without protection when their employer becomes insolvent.
Excluding temporary workers from FEG not only leaves them vulnerable to hardship but also weakens Australia’s labour laws and encourages exploitation.
- Sign the petition:
- Read our Policy Brief:
- Read our Media Release:
- Share your story with us: