Belich CamillaCAMILLA BELICH (Labour): Thank you Madam Speaker. It's a pleasure to be able to speak at this point in this special debate on the Education and Workforce Committee's inquiry into migrant exploitation. We've heard now from the chair of our committee Marja Lubeck on the findings of our select committee inquiry into migrant exploitation and we've also now heard from the Associate Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety Priyanca Radhakrishnan on the Government's response to the inquiry and important issues raised by many in the community on this important issue with the aim of course of protecting against migrant exploitation.I also want to comment briefly on some statements made by others in the House. We had the first speaker from the National Party Melissa Lee mention that the inclusion of a very modest recommendation of the committee that we recommend the Government should investigate whether it should consult with unions as part of the employer accreditation process for the Accredited Employer Work Visa was ideological and shouldn't have been included because it wasn't specifically raised by submitters or officials. Now I reject the assertion that that member made because I don't think select committees are there just to report what is said to them and what they are advised to do; I think select committees are there as part of an important parliamentary process. And as parliamentarians I think we have role to consider what is put before us and also to make our best recommendations based on the evidence and our own minds turned towards the subject matter. So I reject that assertion by that member who I note did not participate in the committee. I also reject the allegations made that the reset will increase exploitation. This is not correct.This inquiry and announcements come at an important time for New Zealand. As our borders open and we once again welcome migrant workers from a range of industries back into New Zealand it's really important that we look at what is a serious issue which this Government is taking extremely seriously. I want to stop here and acknowledge the huge contribution that migrants and our migrant communities make to New Zealand. Migrant workers form a part of almost every sector industry and workplace in New Zealand and their contributions are hugely valued. However as we have heard from contributions throughout the House today and also from the submissions to our inquiry sometimes we as a country can fall short of our own high expectations when it comes to the experience of migrants when they come to Aotearoa. Often the migrants that are most subject to exploitation are frequently those who are the most vulnerable. That includes those who have limited English language or are under financial pressure or who may have a limited familiarity with the working rights that we accept and expect for all those in Aotearoa New Zealand. In these cases we recognise the inherent power imbalance that exists between worker and employer.In our inquiry we heard from over 80 submitters and one of the submissions was from the Citizens Advice Bureau who are often the first port of call for migrants when they experience or are struggling with unfair treatment. As part of their submission the Citizens Advice Bureau detailed examples of exploitative and harmful practices which unfortunately they have seen in relation to migrant workers' experience in New Zealand. These included an employer using an employee's visa status to threaten or exert pressure on them or coercing them into accepting employment terms or conditions which are below the minimum standards that we accept in New Zealand. Another situation that the Citizens Advice Bureau raised with us as part of our inquiry was wages being withheld at the end of an employment contract failing to provide payslips or not delivering on promises of paid overtime. We've also sadly heard examples of bullying and harassment towards migrants. This is why it is really important that we've heard today about the new Worker Protection (Migrant and Other Employees) Bill introduced today which is designed to protect migrant workers from exploitation as the Minister has outlined in her contribution to the House. I very much support this bill and look forward to the first reading of this bill and also submissions to the select committee on this bill.So to conclude we have the responsibility to our migrant workers and in fact all workers in our country to ensure they work in safe workplaces where they are treated in good faith. We do this not because we have to not because it's good for our reputation but because it is the right thing to do and I hope with the continued work of this Government in this employment area we can further contribute to making sure New Zealand is a safe workplace for all New Zealanders and all who come here to work.