The Andrews Labor Government is supporting the 175,000 international students in Victoria with the launch of a new legal support service at the Study Melbourne Student Centre to assist students with workplace issues.
The service, provided by JobWatch, offers a suite of work-related legal support for international students thanks to $120,000 from the Labor Government’s International Student Welfare Grants Program.
The extra support will ensure students are aware of their workplace and consumer rights, to help combat unacceptable instances of workplace exploitation.
Students can either access the service in person every Thursday at the Study Melbourne Student Centre or over the phone from Monday to Friday by contacting 1800 056 449.
JobWatch is a community legal centre that has operated for more than 35 years, and is the only service of its kind in Victoria. Existing services include its Telephone Information Service and legal case work undertaken by internal expert legal advisors.
The announcement follows a number of cases of international worker exploitation at a number of large and small employers where students were being paid below minimum wage and worked more hours than legally allowed.
The Government’s $4 million International Student Welfare Grants Program is supporting new approaches and partnerships to protect student welfare and enhance student experience.
International Education is Victoria’s number one service based export and supports more than 30,000 jobs across the state, generating $5.6 billion dollars for the economy last financial year.
The Victorian Budget 2016/17 included $32 million to drive continued growth in the international education sector. It will also be used to help implement the International Education Sector Strategy.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for International Education Steve Herbert
“The legal support services on offer will help to ensure the welfare of our 175,000 international students living and studying in our community.”
“International students come to Melbourne to study and are a long way from home, family and friends. It’s crucial that we support these often vulnerable students to have a positive experience and avoid exploitation.”
“Victorians are proud that Melbourne is recognised as one of the world’s premier destination cities for international students, and we are working hard to keep that reputation.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020