ICS Sponsors Temporary Migrants in Australia: Work, Networks, Belonging and Agency Workshop

On Friday 21 August, Dr Shanthi Robertson co-convened and spoke at an all-day workshop at Melbourne Law School on 'Temporary Migrants in Australia: Work, Networks, Belonging and Agency'. Sponsored by ICS, the Australian Sociological Association (TASA) (opens in a new window), the UWA Mobilities and Belonging Initiative (opens in a new window)and the Centre for Employment and Labour Relations Law (CELRL) at Melbourne Law School (opens in a new window), the workshop brought together policy makers and policy analysts, migrant advocacy groups, journalists and academics to discuss the role of social networks and belonging in relation to temporary migrants' workplace experiences, access to workplace rights, and overall experience in Australian society. Critical and productive debates around current policy and services, as well as directions for future research and knowledge translation across advocates, service providers, policy makers and scholars were discussed in relation to a diverse range of temporary migrant groups, including 457s, seasonal agricultural workers, working holiday makers, international students and the spouses and dependents of primary migrants. With one million temporary migrants currently resident in Australia, making up approximately 8% of the workforce, this workshop was a timely and valuable intervention for discussion across stakeholder groups.

Below: Advocacy panel speakers: Reyvi Marinas, Migrante Australia; Tim Shipstone, Australian Council of Trade Unions; Stephen Kang, Know Your Rights; with Shanthi Robertson. Policy panel speakers: Louise Peters, Fairwork Ombudsman; Henry Sherrell, Migration Council of Australia; Susan Love, Department of Immigration and Border Protection. Shanthi spoke in the policy panel.

Posted: 24 August 2015.