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Study points to Australia au pair exploitation
SYDNEY, Nov 29, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – The majority of au pairs working in
Australia are being exploited, a wide-ranging study alleged Thursday, citing
a lack of government accountability in place to protect young visitors.
A country-wide survey of 1,500 au pairs — who traditionally perform
light, part-time duties — found 60 percent were working 36-hour weeks while
being paid less than the national minimum wage.
The study was conducted by the University of Technology Sydney and
Macquarie University.
Thousands of young overseas visitors work in Australia as au pairs, mostly
young European women on working holiday visas.
Many work under informal arrangements, whereby a family offers board and a
small amount of money in exchange for child minding and light housekeeping
duties.
On average they were working just a few hours less than full time for
Aus$17.10 per hour (US$12.50), slightly lower than the national minimum wage,
researchers said, although the figure included the value of the board and
lodging provided.
Australia’s high cost of childcare is seen as the main driver of the
trend.
“The demand for au pairing is often explained by Australian families’ need
for affordable childcare,” the reports co-author Laurie Berg from UTS said in
a statement.
“But the study indicates many families are taking advantage of the large
supply of working holidaymakers to obtain cheap housekeeping services as
well.”
The report found that young holidaymakers were left vulnerable by a lack
of clear regulation and even “an agreed definition” of an au pair among
government agencies.
There is no specific visa, official program or even any official
guidelines for travellers or those who offer them work.
“Families need to understand that along with the convenience and
affordability of in-home care come full responsibilities as employers,”
Macquarie University sociology professor Gabrielle Meagher said.
Australia came under fire last year for its treatment of international
students and backpackers.
There were more than 900,000 temporary migrants in the country in 2017,
including foreign students.
A joint survey released last November of over 4,000 temporary migrants by
University of Technology Sydney and the University of New South Wales found
that about one-third were paid half the minimum wage.
BSS/AFP/MR/ 1150 hrs