This report develops an evidence-based policy framework for accommodating seasonal and vulnerable workers in Australian regional areas to ensure a healthy, safe and productive workforce. The research looked at ways in which these workers can be better housed. 

Many businesses in regional Australia rely on seasonal workers, including workers from migration schemes. These workers help regional areas stay economically competitive. Changes in regional housing markets have greatly increased the cost of housing. As a result, a lack of affordable and available housing often places seasonal and vulnerable workers in inappropriate and poor-quality housing. This also makes it hard for businesses to attract and retain workers in regional parts of Australia.

The main barriers to innovative practices of accommodation provision are visa conditions, inappropriate accommodation standards, comprehension of accommodation standards, tight housing markets, the availability and cost of land, and construction of new supply. The report identifies policy development options to address these barriers.

Key findings

• Regional Australia relies on a skilled and unskilled labour force, in part through migration schemes, to remain economically competitive.
• Worker accommodation is a barrier to worker participation in regional labour markets when there are accommodation shortages.
• The most important division in accommodation provision is between employer-provided accommodation and third-party-provided accommodation.
• Visa regulations exert a strong influence over accommodation provision and workers’ behaviours and choices.