When anyone applies for any job within Australia all applicants are required to provide proof of their Right to Work in Australia.

It is a criminal offence under the Migration Act 1958 for a person to knowingly or recklessly allow an illegal worker to work or refer an illegal worker for work with another business. Refer to Employer Obligations on DIAC website and reference to section 245AD of the Migration Act)

Australian Citizens and New Zealand Citizens have unlimited work rights in Australia (note New Zealand Permanent Residents do not - they require a visa).

To verify a Citizenship/Permanent Residency status, any of the following documents have been approved by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) as evidence.

Documents that ARE a proof of Right to Work in Accordance with DIAC Guidelines:

• Full Australian Birth Certificate (if born before 20 August 1986) and a form of photo ID
• Full Australian Birth Certificate (if born on or after 20 August 1986), a form of photo ID and evidence that at least one parent was an Australian citizen or permanent resident at the time of the child's birth
• Australian Citizenship Certificate
• Australian Passport
• Certificate of evidence of resident status
• Valid Visa with work rights

Documents that are NOT a proof of Right to Work in Accordance with DIAC Guidelines:

• Tax File Number
• Driver's licence
• Medicare Card
• Bank Account
• Referrals from employment agencies
• References from previous employers

What is meant by the Right to Work (RTW)?

In order to be employed in Australia you are legally required to have what is referred to as "the right to work".

Australian and New Zealand citizens automatically have the right to work in Australia, as well as Australian Permanent Residents.

Everyone else is required to hold a current visa with work rights in order to gain employment in Australia.

It is illegal for GMT People to engage or refer contractors, or employ or pay a staff member, who does not have the right to work in Australia. If you do not provide the right to work documentation, GMT cannot engage you.

I am unable to provide evidence of my right to work in Australia. What can I do?

You will need to provide written permission for GMT People to verify your Right to Work status with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).