Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Bill 2025

Stage by Stage

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript. In date order, both chambers.

1. Thursday 6 November 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned the Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Bill 2025, which sought to establish a public register of approved work sponsors. Tony Burke moved the second reading, arguing the measure would enhance transparency and protect migrant workers from exploitation. The bill aimed to strengthen oversight of the temporary skilled work visa program by publishing sponsor details on the Department of Home Affairs website. No other members spoke, and the debate was adjourned without a recorded vote in the transcript.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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2. Wednesday 26 November 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate centered on the Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Bill 2025, which proposed a public register of approved work sponsors to combat the exploitation of temporary migrant workers. Government members, including Julian Hill, argued the register would increase transparency and protect vulnerable workers from wage theft and coercion. Conversely, Opposition members like Sam Birrell opposed the bill, claiming it imposed unnecessary red tape on compliant businesses and risked exposing employers to harassment without delivering broader reforms. The discussion highlighted tensions between worker protection and business privacy, with regional members emphasizing the importance of migrant labor in sectors like agriculture.

   Outcome: The debate was interrupted before a final result was reached.

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3. Thursday 27 November 2025 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The House of Representatives debated the Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Bill 2025, which establishes a public register of approved work sponsors and increases penalties for employer non-compliance. All six speakers were members of the Australian Labor Party, who unanimously supported the legislation as a necessary measure to protect vulnerable temporary skilled migrants from exploitation and to uphold wage standards. Speakers argued that the bill addresses systemic failures inherited from the previous government, which had ignored recommendations from the Migrant Workers' Taskforce. The debate highlighted the bill's role in enhancing transparency, allowing workers to verify employer legitimacy, and deterring unscrupulous practices through stricter enforcement. The bill passed the House with a vote of 97 to 37.

   Outcome: The bill passed the House of Representatives with a division result of 97 votes in favour and 37 against.

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4. Thursday 27 November 2025 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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5. Wednesday 1 April 2026 · Senate

   Limitation of Debate
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