LAWS6195 IMMIGRATION AND LABOUR LAW
Semester 2 2021
Suggested research paper topics
As part of the assessment of this unit of study, students are required to write a research paper of
6,000 words which is to be submitted through Canvas by Monday 14 November 2021 at 23:00.
To assist students, I have set out below several suggested research paper topics which students
may choose.
Research paper topic 1:
Imagine you are employed as a researcher by the Migration Research Institute. You have been
equested to write a paper critiquing the operation of the 482 visa temporary migration scheme.
You have been further requested to examine whether abuses identified in various inquiries into
temporary labour migration have been adequately addressed and to suggest appropriate changes
to the scheme.
Research paper topic 2:
Section XXXXXXXXXXb) of the Employment Rights Act 1996 (UK) establishes an intermediate category of
“Worker” which occupies te
itory between employees and independent contractors. Reflecting on
the experiences of migrant workers in Australia’s Gig economy, write an essay examining whether
the Australian Federal government should adopt similar measures in this country.
Research paper topic 3:
Imagine you are employed in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Your superior has
commissioned you to write a paper examining the reach and scope of the United Nations
Convention On The Rights Of All Migrant Workers And Members Of Their Families. Your essay
should set out the arguments for and against Australia ratifying this Convention.
Research paper topic 4:
Section 235 of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth) makes it an offence for a non-citizen to work
without authorisation. This provision has been used by employers to deny benefits and/or
compensation to undocumented foreign workers. Write a report for the Minister for Immigration
explaining the operation of the law. What arguments could be raised to overturn the harsher
aspects of the illegality doctrine?
Research paper topic 5:
Schedule 5 of the Fair Work Amendment (Supporting Australia’s Jobs And Economic Recovery)
Bill 2020 is titled Compliance And Enforcement. Among other things, Schedule 5 provides for
civil and criminal penalties where employers have under-paid wages. It also facilitates the
inging of small claims. In March 2021, Schedule 5 was shelved by the Government along with
most of the remaining clauses in the Bill. However, clauses dealing with casual employment
were passed into law. You have been engaged by Future Work Australia to write a research
essay evaluating the merits of the Schedule 5 proposals. You may suggest further amendments,
especially to assist migrant workers.
Research paper topic 6:
Students may write on their own research paper topic, provided they obtain my written
approval in advance. Students may email me their suggested topics at
XXXXXXXXXX
Professor Mary Crock and Professor Emeritus Ron McCallum AO
mailto: XXXXXXXXXX
LAWS6195
IMMIGRATION AND
LABOUR LAW
Semester Two, 2021
Reading guide
SYDNEY LAW SCHOOL
sydney.edu.au/law
Page 2 of 17
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This document contains unit of study specific information. It must be read in
conjunction with the Sydney Cu
iculum Unit of Study Outline, the Canvas site for
your unit of study and the Student Portal webpage. Students should also ensure
they consult the University website for up to date policy information.
The Student Portal page is intended to direct you to relevant resources for your course (LLB,
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ently enrolled students and to direct
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consult the University of Sydney Law School or University website for detailed information.
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Page 4 of 17
Lecturer name and contact details
Title/Name Professor Mary Crock
Address Room 604, Sydney Law School, University of Sydney
Phone XXXXXXXXXX
Email XXXXXXXXXX
Prefe
ed method of communication
It is easiest to reach me via my email which I get on my computer and on my mobile phone.
With regards to co
espondence with academic staff, students should remember to sign their
name and provide their student identification number, especially when sending emails. N.B.
Email communication should be via your Sydney University email account.
Lecture dates and times
Days Venue / Time
October 8
October 9
October 22
October 23
TBC / 9am to 5pm
TBC / 9am to 5pm
TBC / 9am to 5pm
TBC / 9am to 5pm
Please refer to PG timetable via the Student Portal page.
NB: Please keep an eye on your Canvas LMS site for any announcements in relation to
lectures and venues, as last-minute changes can and do occur.
Reading materials
Required reading
The materials prescribed for the course are designed to both assist you in your exploration of
this subject through private study and to provide the focus for class discussions. The core
eadings for class are set out on the LMS Reading Materials page.
Mary Crock and Laurie Berg, Immigration, Refugees and Forced Migration: Law, Policy and
Practice in Australia, (Sydney, the Federation Press, 2011), (hereafter "Crock & Berg")
Note that this book is beng revised and re-written. Professor Crock will post draft work on
Canvas for ease of access.; and
Catherine Costello and Mark Freedland (Eds), Migrants at Work: Immigration and
Vulnerability in Labour Law, (Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2014), (Hereafter "Costello &
Freedland").
*** Professor Crock would like to acknowledge and thank Professor Emeritus Ron
McCallum AO and Bianca Tini-Brunozzi for assistance in crafting this reading guide
and course.
mailto: XXXXXXXXXX
https:
canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/4533
Page 5 of 17
Lecture schedule and reading list
As background reading for this course, we recommend that you familiarise yourself with the
Australian Government ‘Report of the Migrant Workers’ Taskforce’ (March 2019), accessible
at: https:
www.ag.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-03/mwt_final_report.pdf
Each session lasts for 1.5 hours, with
eaks for morning tea at 10.30 – 11.30 am, Lunch
12.30 – 1.30 and a afternoon tea, XXXXXXXXXXpm.
DAY 1: Friday 8 October 2021
Session 1: A History of Skilled Migration to Australia
The framework for immigration control: the Constitution and the immigration and
aliens powers
Protecting Australia: the White Australia Policy and labour market exclusion
Post WWII labour programs
Recent trends in skilled migration
The aim of this first session is to provide an overview of the constitutional and legislative
underpinnings of immigration control in Australia; and to introduce students to the history of
skilled migration to Australia.
1.1 The Constitutional Framework of Immigration Control
Robtelmes v Brenan XXXXXXXXXXCLR 395
Potter v Minahan XXXXXXXXXXCLR 277
Donohoe v Wong Sau XXXXXXXXXXCLR 404
Love v Commonwealth of Australia; Thoms v Commonwealth of Australia [2020] HCA 3
1.2 Protecting Australia: the White Australia Policy and labour market exclusion
Readings:
Crock & Berg Ch 2 and 3 “Immigration Law and the Growth of Nationhood” and “Defining
Powers: Immigration Control and the Australian Constitution”.
Layman L (1996) "To Keep Up the Australian Standard: Regulating Contract Migration 1901-
1950" 70 Labour History 25 CM.
Chris Wright et al, Lowy Institute, Economic migration and Australia in the 21st century
(Report October 2016).
Session 2: The Labour Law Framework: A Brief introduction
The purpose of this session is to introduce students to the Australian labour law framework.
Some students will be