Rights of Temporary Workers in Australia

Temporary workers in Australia—whether visa holders, casuals, or agency-supplied labour—are often made to feel as though they have fewer rights than permanent employees. But under Australian law, that perception is both wrong and dangerous.

No matter your visa status or contract type, if you’re doing work in Australia, you are covered by national work health and safety laws. That means you have the same right to a safe working environment as anyone else on site. Your employer must provide you with proper training, the necessary safety equipment, and clear instructions on how to do the job without putting yourself or others at risk. You’re also entitled to a proper induction. That includes being shown around the workplace, introduced to supervisors and safety reps, told about emergency procedures, and informed of how to report problems.

If you’re ever asked to do something unsafe, you have the right to refuse. You don’t need to risk your health or life to stay employed. If you speak up about a safety concern and your employer ignores it—or worse, retaliates—you can make a confidential complaint to your state’s workplace safety regulator. In every state and territory, there are strong protections in place to prevent employers from punishing workers who raise legitimate concerns.

Temporary workers are also covered by anti-bullying and anti-discrimination protections. Being a visa holder doesn’t mean your employer can target you, treat you unfairly, or pay you less than minimum wage. You have a right to fair pay and decent conditions. If your boss is underpaying you, forcing you to work unsafe hours, or threatening to report you to immigration for speaking up, that’s unlawful.

If you're injured on the job, you're entitled to make a workers compensation claim—even if you're only working here temporarily. Employers must be insured, and the system exists to help cover medical costs and lost wages. Don’t let anyone tell you that you're not eligible because of your visa or that it’ll affect your stay in Australia.

No one should be treated as disposable. Temporary workers are the backbone of many industries in Australia. You deserve respect, fair treatment, and a workplace that values your safety and contribution. If your workplace isn’t meeting its obligations, you’re not alone—and you do have options.