Reported by Sophie, Isabel and Ellie
Today is UN-declared International Migrant Workers Day.
The day marks and celebrates the rights of migrants to work which is a basic human right.
It is an occasion for international solidarity and for making migrants voices heard.
International Migrant Workers Day coincides this year with the 60th anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Australian Workers Union has released a report saying they have had a positive impact in preventing wage discrimination for migrant workers concentrated in the manufacturing sector.
One of the report's authors, Dr Brian D'Netto, said the perceived main challenges for migrant workers is that there is inadequate recognition of overseas skills, a lack of language fluency for many new migrants as well as social isolation.
The report said many highly skilled migrants working in jobs well below their skill level in order to survive.
Dr D'Netto said unions want to see more training, development and career opportunities provided for workers from ethnic backgrounds.
A report of the review of Australian Higher Education by independent Bradley Review was released yesterday afternoon saying students needed greater support while studying.
The Review recommended lowering the age of independence to 22 and increasing fortnightly payments to $400 before payments are affected.
Currently, students are only able to earn $236 per fortnight before their payments are reduced.
Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young welcomed the review's suggestions and students are paying more to live because the cost of living has increased.
She also says the pressure to work long hours is having an effect on their studies.
Ms Hanson-Young has called on Education Minister Julia Gillard to seriously consider the Bradley Review's recommendations and make a change to have greater income support for students.
The Bradley Review also said that 40 per cent of Australians aged 25 to 34 should have a degree by 2020 and recommended $6 billion of funding.
Part of the government's plan for education reform is to remove various regulations in university enrolment, including no limitations on student numbers.
However, the Opposition said the government can't afford these promises.
Blogged by Ellie
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