Do domestic workers have rights in Australia? We uncover the rules

 24 June 2021 – A domestic worker is someone who is paid to work in or for someone's household. They must be employed full-time to qualify as a 'domestic worker'. Those who work part-time, i.e. babysitters, dog walkers, pet sitters or those who engage in domestic work as a form of family responsibility, i.e. taking care of grandparents or younger siblings, do not qualify as 'domestic workers'. At times, people often confuse those who are employed in service (cleaning, washing) at public or private buildings as falling under the category of domestic work; however, these people are not domestic workers because the job they perform is outside of a home and boundaries of a household.

In countries like Australia, domestic work is divided into two categories of people - those who live-in and those who live-out. As is evident, live-in workers reside in the house where they work, whereas live-out workers do not stay with the family they work for. 

A domestic worker is entitled to the following rights - 

1. They need to be informed of the conditions of their employment through a written contract that can be easily understood.
2. Domestic workers need to work for the average working hours and be compensated for overtime, annual paid leaves, and weekly rest days.  
3. Domestic workers must be employed only if they are above the minimum age and qualify for the minimum wage regulations. 
4. Wages must be paid in cash, although a small portion may be paid in kind with the consent of the employee.

For migrant workers, the ILO requires them to sign a contract of employment before they cross their national boundary. According to the ILO, domestic workers make up 4.5% of employees and 81% of informal employment. It is important to know the labour laws to stop underpayment and support domestic workers' fight for decent work and equality on the work front. Know more about Australia’s domestic workers and their rights