Omer IbrahimIBRAHIM OMER (Labour): 谢谢 Madam Speaker. It's a pleasure to be the last speaker on this very important issue which is close to my heart actually. It's no secret that migrant exploitation is widespread today and it does exist in our country as we speak. It only takes one Google search to find stories of the horror and misery of exploitation. It's an evil practice which has stained our country's beautiful image and the sooner we eradicate it the better. I'm glad that the Government is taking it seriously and that we are acting on it.Over the last decade the number of complaints being seen has jumped from 31 in 2011 to 855 in 2021—it's probably counting up—and the survey also showed that 11 percent of migrants felt threatened by employers. This is highly likely underreported as well. Support networks often are unaware of the local laws. The life of a migrant is often harsh and isolated—one is cut off from the outside world with no support networks. There are language barriers and customs and hence they are vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. I just want to mention a few things about what the exploitation looks like. I know that my colleague Marja Lubeck touched on this but for the people who are listening to us from outside who might not know what the exploitation looks like it's underpayment excessive workload long hours denial of employment contracts and pay for their jobs passports being seized and tricking and intimidating them with deportation. Exploited migrants often have their movements communication and living conditions controlled by employers. In extreme conditions it can be forced labour trafficking and slavery. While the above list is shameful and depressing the number of exploited migrants is increasing. But I'm glad that the Minister the Hon Michael Wood and the Associate Minister the Hon Priyanca Radhakrishnan who just spoke today are taking this matter very seriously. The Education and Workforce Committee has done a good job in launching this inquiry. We have received about 74 to 80 submissions. We heard from 31 submitters as well. And the committee as a result made 11 recommendations. I'd like to commend the committee members for their collegiality and hard work.The Government so far has announced and implemented a range of policies to combat migrant exploitation. This includes but is not limited to—the list is quite long. But I just want to mention today that the Hon Priyanca Radhakrishnan has introduced a new bill that's designed to protect migrant workers; the Accredited Employer Work Visa scheme has been in place; and the introduction of the Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa—the list goes on. When I was new to this country in 2009 my first job was cleaning in a hostel. I was made not only to work excessive hours but when I called in sick really sick I was told to come in and that No one is going to cover for you." Because it was 2009 and to me getting that job in New Zealand at the time was like winning Lotto and I had to drag myself out of bed and come to work and work seven days for 12 hours and often the work was seven to six days. This is widespread. Myself and Ricardo from the Green Party have launched quite a few workshops and we heard from people. Some came to us behind closed doors and told us "I wanted to speak up but I'm too scared." I just want to tell the people who submitted that we applaud your bravery for coming forward. To those who wanted to come but couldn't because they were too scared we also tell them "We hear you."I want to send a message to employers who are exploiting our migrants. I am telling them: "The Government is coming for you and the law is coming for you. Your number's up and your days are numbered. You'd better stop because you bring shame on our country." These are a very tiny minority. The vast majority of our employers are good employers. They treat their employees with the dignity and respect they deserve. But to those who are exploiting our migrant workers we tell them: "We are coming for you." Thank you Madam Speaker.Motion agreed to.Report noted."