Submission into Job Security
FECCA highlights significant concerns about job security for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) workers, outlining systemic barriers, exploitation, and the increasing prevalence of insecure work. In its submission to the Select Committee on Job Security, FECCA calls attention to the overrepresentation of CALD individuals in precarious jobs due to factors like limited recognition of overseas qualifications, language barriers, and discriminatory practices. It outlines the impact of these barriers on financial stability, career progression, and overall well-being, particularly for vulnerable groups like refugees, women, older migrants, and youth. FECCA recommends better data collection on CALD workers, improved recognition of overseas qualifications, and reforms to reduce casualisation and ensure fair employment practices.
FECCA also underscores the role of temporary migration policies in exacerbating job insecurity, as many temporary visa holders face exploitation due to their dependence on employers and restricted access to social protections. The organisation advocates for systemic reforms, including aligning temporary and permanent migration pathways, increasing employer accountability, and enhancing worker protections. FECCA further calls for comprehensive cultural competency training for government and industry staff, enhanced resources for the Fair Work Ombudsman, and a national worker rights education plan to empower CALD workers. These recommendations aim to create a fairer, more equitable labour market that recognises and values the contributions of Australia’s multicultural workforce.
