BREAKING: A shocking new report reveals that migrant workers in Australia are facing extreme pressures, with many choosing abortions to retain their work visas. This alarming situation was highlighted in a recent parliamentary inquiry where Dr. Trudi Beck, a GP from Wagga, stated that approximately 95% of the visa workers she encounters opt for abortions not out of personal choice, but to comply with visa regulations.
The inquiry, held in June, sheds light on the urgent plight of these workers, many of whom are employed under the PALM scheme, a temporary visa program for individuals from Pacific Islands and Timor-Leste. Currently, there are 31,500 workers in Australia under this program, predominantly in agriculture and meat processing.
In a disturbing account, former Leeton mayor Paul Mayton shared the story of a pregnant woman who lost her job and subsequently her baby to state care due to lack of access to healthcare. “She told me, ‘I didn’t know what to do… I have no money, so I agreed to it. But I want my babies back,’” Mayton recounted, highlighting the devastating human impact of these exploitative practices.
The United Nations has expressed serious concerns regarding Australia’s handling of migrant worker rights. A recent assessment by Special Rapporteur Tomoya Obokata categorized the exploitation of these workers as “alarming,” citing issues such as deceptive recruitment, hazardous working conditions, and coercive tactics by employers.
The report also unveiled troubling practices among employers. Workers have reported excessive wage deductions, non-transparent payslips, and even coerced marriages to secure their visas. One case involved a farm employer who allegedly forced a couple to marry under threat of losing their visas, demonstrating the extreme vulnerabilities these workers face.
Recent findings indicate that illegal deductions are rampant, with reports of workers taking home as little as $100 per week after deductions for accommodation and other expenses. For example, a contract reviewed revealed a worker was charged nearly $1,900 for travel expenses, despite the actual costs being significantly lower.
In response to the growing crisis, Australia’s Anti-Slavery Commissioner Chris Evans revealed that approximately 3,000 PALM workers have left their employers due to exploitation concerns. He called for stronger protections for the increasing number of women affected by these circumstances.
Dr. James Cockayne, another anti-slavery advocate, emphasized that current penalties for exploitative practices are insufficient. “The risks of serious penalty for engaging in these practices are so low that it is rational, from an economic perspective, to take that risk,” he stated. He urged the federal government to streamline processes for workers wishing to change employers to reduce their vulnerability.
This situation remains critical as 62 PALM workers tragically lost their lives in Australia between June 2022 and August 2025. The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations has stated that it is committed to promoting the welfare and wellbeing of PALM scheme workers.
As this urgent situation develops, it raises serious questions about the protections in place for migrant workers in Australia. Advocates are calling for immediate reforms to ensure the safety and rights of these vulnerable individuals. The consequences of inaction could continue to devastate lives and families in the region.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.
