The Migrant Workers Centre (MWC) welcomes the Allan Government’s renewed funding commitment in the 2025-26 State Budget, allowing the MWC to continue its vital work in advocating for the rights and safety of migrant workers and international students across the state.
The MWC plays a crucial role in empowering communities with knowledge of their workplace rights, recovering unpaid wages and entitlements, and providing support to workers facing exploitation, discrimination or unsafe conditions at work.
The Migrant Workers Centre’s impact since opening in 2018 includes:
- Over 37,000 migrant workers have received work rights information and education
- More than $2.3M of unpaid wages and entitlements recovered
- More than 1200 migrant workers and students supported to address workplace exploitation matters at work
- Over 60 multicultural community leaders trained to deliver workplace rights and safety information in more than 40 languages
- Playing a pivotal role in the development of the new Workplace Justice Visa, allowing exploited workers to remain in the country while they seek justice
As the state continues to grow and welcome new communities, MWC looks forward to working alongside the Victorian Government to ensure that no worker is left behind — and that all workers, no matter where they come from, enjoy equal protection under the law.
Quotes attributable to Matt Kunkel, CEO of the Migrant Workers Centre
“We thank Premier Allan and Minister Stitt for their ongoing support of the Migrant Workers Centre’s and its mission to ensure all workers in Victoria are safe, respected and equal at work.
“It’s a powerful signal that the Victorian Government understands the reality on the ground — that too many migrant workers are still being denied basic rights, and that real change takes sustained commitment.”
“This ongoing support for the MWC is an important step forward, ensuring Victoria remains the destination of choice for migrant workers and international students.
