Letters

A fair go for our migrant workers

Dear Ed,

A new report uncovers the shameful reality facing many migrant workers during our COVID-19 crisis.

According to The Sydney Morning Herald:

“One in four international students earn less than half the minimum wage” (30 June 2020).

Other news outlets report other findings along similar lines and at the very time that the world really does need more international cooperation and support, we can do better than this for those who are in more precarious situations.

Over one million people on temporary visas are still being blocked from accessing vital income support during our pandemic and such a callous disregard for the lives of fellow human beings by the government of our extremely well-resourced country makes me feel ashamed that our government continues with such mean-spirited decisions.

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken the entire world by surprise and no-one can just snap back into “business as usual” in our world that has changed for ever. Every person in Australia needs support through this pandemic.

And that includes those who came to Australia recently to create a better future for themselves and their families, as I did many years ago.

All people on temporary visas deserve better than this from our government.

All the best in the sort of future you choose.

Harry Jonson, Iluka