Mr Tony Burke (Watson, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I've been given two copies of the speech; I'll only read it once. I move:

That this bill be now read a second time.

The Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Bill 2025 amends the Migration Act 1958to establish the legislative framework for a public register of approved work sponsors to be published and maintained on the Department of Home Affairs website.

This bill is a necessary and important step to supporting a better targeted, temporary skilled work visa program as part of the Albanese Labor government's migration strategy.

The amendments in this bill will strengthen protections for migrant workers. The register of approved work sponsors will enhance oversight and transparency mechanisms for the temporary skilled work visa program, helping to tackle migrant worker exploitation and misuse of the visa system.

This register will provide an important resource to check that a sponsoring employer is legitimate.

The publication of a register on the department's website that includes the name of the approved work sponsor, their ABN, their business postcode, the number of sponsored workers and their occupations will promote transparency and accountability.

The register will complement and strengthen the managed approach to Australia's visa system—increasing protections for migrant workers and ensuring a stronger workforce, which in turn strengthens the Australian community.

Migrants make a valuable contribution not only to Australia's prosperity but also to our communities, our national identity, and to our connections across the world. They have the right to be safe and feel safe.

This bill will help ensure we have the skills we need for the future and, ultimately, make sure the system is working in the interests of all Australians.

This bill is an important step towards implementing the Albanese Labor government's migration strategy.

I commend this bill to the chamber.

Debate adjourned.