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The Efficiencies and Inequities of Australia's Temporary Labour Migration Regime

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  • Stephen Clibborn
  • Chris F. Wright

Abstract

This article examines the benefits and costs of Australia's labour migration policies. While previous economics studies have demonstrated the efficiency‐related benefits of these policies, this article analyses the consequences for worker voice and equity, which employment relations scholars have identified as important labour market policy goals. We argue that the efficiency‐related benefits of labour migration policy reforms, particularly the expansion of temporary visa schemes, have been generated in part by barriers to temporary migrant workers' access to representation and social rights. This situation has contributed to an increase in the underpayment and mistreatment of temporary migrant workers by employers.

Suggested Citation

  • Stephen Clibborn & Chris F. Wright, 2022. "The Efficiencies and Inequities of Australia's Temporary Labour Migration Regime," Australian Economic Review, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, vol. 55(2), pages 254-262, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ausecr:v:55:y:2022:i:2:p:254-262
    DOI: 10.1111/1467-8462.12466
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    1. Selvaraj Velayutham, 2013. "Precarious experiences of Indians in Australia on 457 temporary work visas," The Economic and Labour Relations Review, , vol. 24(3), pages 340-361, September.
    2. Quinlan, Michael & Lever-Tracy, Constance, 1990. "From Labour Market Exclusion to Industrial Solidarity: Australian Trade Union Responses to Asian Workers, 1830-1988," Cambridge Journal of Economics, Cambridge Political Economy Society, vol. 14(2), pages 159-181, June.
    3. Bauder, Harald, 2006. "Labor Movement: How Migration Regulates Labor Markets," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780195180886.
    4. Stephen Clibborn, 2015. "Why undocumented immigrant workers should have workplace rights," The Economic and Labour Relations Review, , vol. 26(3), pages 465-473, September.
    5. Graeme Hugo, 2014. "Change and Continuity in Australian International Migration Policy," International Migration Review, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 48(3), pages 868-890, September.
    6. Robert Breunig & Nathan Deutscher & Hang Thi To, 2017. "The Relationship between Immigration to Australia and the Labour Market Outcomes of Australian-Born Workers," The Economic Record, The Economic Society of Australia, vol. 93(301), pages 255-276, June.
    7. Stephen Clibborn & Chris F Wright, 2018. "Employer theft of temporary migrant workers’ wages in Australia: Why has the state failed to act?," The Economic and Labour Relations Review, , vol. 29(2), pages 207-227, June.
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