Migration Amendment (Combatting Migrant Exploitation) Bill 2025; Second Reading

Opened the debate

Burke moved that the bill be read a second time, describing it as a necessary step in the government's migration strategy. Burke argued that establishing a public register of approved work sponsors would strengthen protections for migrant workers and improve oversight of the temporary skilled work visa program. The register would include details such as sponsor names, ABNs, postcodes, and the number of sponsored workers, thereby promoting accountability. Burke stated that these measures would help tackle exploitation and ensure the visa system operates in the interests of all Australians.

Government response

Burke introduced the bill as a mechanism to support a better targeted temporary skilled work visa program. Burke emphasised that the public register would provide a resource for verifying the legitimacy of sponsoring employers. The minister argued that increased transparency would complement the managed approach to Australia's visa system, ensuring migrant workers feel safe. Burke commended the bill to the chamber as an important step towards implementing the government's broader migration strategy.