Economic Reform Roundtable misses opportunity to unlock untapped workforce

As the Economic Reform Roundtable starts today, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) is urging the Albanese Government to grant work and study rights to people seeking asylum, warning that current restrictions are sidelining thousands of skilled workers and costing the economy.

The ASRC estimates over 10,000 – and potentially up to 26,000 – people seeking asylum are locked out of the labour market by government policy. Many have skills urgently needed in sectors facing shortages, including aged care, construction, healthcare, education and manufacturing.

Of those with work rights who secured a job through ASRC’s employment program over the past year, 77% began working in one of the most in-need industries identified by Jobs and Skills Australia.

The ASRC is calling the government to provide work rights to people seeking asylum while they wait for their claims to be processed.

“Unlocking this potential is a win-win and common sense – good for people, good for business, and good for the economy,” said ASRC Deputy CEO Jana Favero. “People want to work and when given the chance, they build businesses, create jobs, and strengthen industries crying out for workers. Currently Government policies are intentionally excluding people seeking asylum from fully participating in and contributing to our economy. The roundtable can only be effective and genuine if it considers all in our community. ”

People seeking asylum and refugees are also largely excluded from education and training, despite the clear benefits for individuals, communities, and the economy.

Of the people with study rights that ASRC supported to enrol in education courses in 2024-25, the top three industries were aging and disability, healthcare and early childhood education – all of which are experiencing skills shortages.

“The people we work with want to contribute,” said Nina Field, Manager of Humanitarian Services at ASRC. “Granting the right to work and study would allow thousands of motivated and skilled people who are already here in our communities to enter the workforce. It’s a no brainer.”

ENDS

Available for Interview

Jana Favero
Deputy CEO ASRC

Jana is the Deputy CEO and Head of Systemic Change and has worked for the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) for 15 years. Jana is a regular spokesperson in breaking news on human rights and refugee policy, and leads ASRC’s political engagement as a trusted subject matter expert on asylum policy.

Nina Field,
Manager Humanitarian Services, ASRC

Nina is the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre’s Humanitarian Services Manager , overseeing the ASRC’s busy daily drop-in service, which provides essential services to asylum seekers living in the community in Melbourne, including housing , basic needs, healthcare, food , employment and education. Nina has a decade of experience supporting vulnerable asylum seekers and regularly supports people who have lost their work rights.

Media enquiries
For media interviews, please contact Natasha Blucher at media@asrc.org.au or 0402 651 002.