Ms Fiona Ward:

I have read the report but I have no comment on it. What I can say is that the employment permits regime does have protections for migrant workers, but as I have outlined them before, I do not propose to outline them again to the Senator. In addition to those normal rights and protections that are there for general employment permit holders, in respect of the pilot scheme for the agrifood sector, employers are obliged to ensure that employees have access to suitable accommodation and access to training, especially language training. The WRC is the authorised body to ensure compliance by employers with the employment rights of migrant workers and, indeed, all workers, and it has authorised officers under the Employment Permits Act to protect the rights of migrant workers.