We undertake research and advocacy to illuminate the exploitation of international students, backpackers, skilled temporary workers and other low-waged temporary migrants working in Australia. We create a new evidence basis for understanding why most migrants can’t or don’t recover unpaid wages through government agencies, courts and corporate programs, and the outcomes for very few who do.  The data and recommendations from these projects provide new ways for government agencies, businesses, NGOs and unions to tackle these challenges.

During COVID-19, temporary migrants were excluded from government support during initial lockdowns in Australia. Our empirical research uncovered the human rights abuses experienced by temporary migrants during this time, including financial desperation, homelessness and racism and other forms of social exclusion.