Red Cross launches new platform for survivors of labour exploitation
7 March 2023
Australian Red Cross has today launched a new website to prevent and address labour exploitation in Australia.
The website was designed with the input from over 150 migrant workers and 250 service providers, unions, community organisations and academia. The Work Right Hub includes information, tools and services aimed at supporting migrants if they, or someone they know, is experiencing labour exploitation.
“This website is going to make a real difference, especially for migrant workers who are not able to reach out for help,” said Australian Red Cross Director of Australian Programs, Vicki Mau.
“Working closely with migrants has clearly shown us that a number of factors prevent people from reporting exploitation. These include lack of awareness of their rights in Australia, language barriers, experiences of isolation or working in remote locations, and fear of authorities. For example, 52% did not know where to complain if experiencing labour exploitation, ” she said.
These barriers were identified by migrant workers who were consulted throughout Red Cross’ development of the site:
“I know five other languages, but I do not know English very well. I am a skilled worker, but not here. African people when we arrive here we wish to work, but we do not get offers. So have to work in whatever comes, not looking at the conditions of the work.”
— Migrant Worker
“We need to survive… Job is job. We do not look or think about work rights or if it is fair or not. We just accept it if we see we are going to be paid even if it is a little amount.”
— Migrant Worker
“I was in a very remote place. I had no one there. No transport. Not buses around. Nothing. I was with a lot of other workers […] and the majority did not speak English […] My payment was taken to repay the costs for taking me to [this job].”
— Migrant Worker
“We know many migrants, because of previous experience, or threats from employers, do not always feel comfortable talking to authorities or the police. The Australian Red Cross Work Right Hub provides an alternative pathway to people to learn more about their rights in the workplace. It will not collect any personal data. Enquiries that come directly to Red Cross over the phone or via email will remain confidential to Australian Red Cross,” said Ms Mau.
The Work Right Hub was launched today at Parliament House in Canberra, at an event hosted by Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus, MP to commemorate 10 years since the inclusion of forced marriage and forced labour offences in the Criminal Code. This Modern Slavery grant activity received funding from the Australian Government.
The site is available at redcross.org.au/workrighthub
Background: The Work Right Hub does not provide casework support, and will not make direct referrals to support services.
Media inquiries: media@redcross.org.au, 1800 733 443.