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

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.