Review of worker compensation scheme calls for migrant inclusion

The Fair Entitlements Guarantee (FEG) scheme, which compensates workers for unpaid wages and leave when companies collapse, is under review due to concerns of misuse. The review follows significant payouts, expected to exceed $300 million in 2024-25. Currently, FEG only covers Australian citizens and permanent residents, excluding migrant workers like Jisan Palikhel, who lost wages when his employer shut down. Advocates are calling for changes to include superannuation and extend coverage to all workers. The government aims to address corporate practices that evade responsibilities to employees. While there is support for expanding FEG, officials indicate that prioritizing migrant workers is not currently a focus.