Only Australian citizens, permanent residents and others who hold appropriate visas are entitled to work in Australia. New Zealand citizens have an unrestricted right to work in Australia under special category visas.

Proof of Australian citizenship, permanent residency or valid visa status must be provided to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (which offers various forms of assistance to persons seeking to meet these requirements).

Offences under the Migration Act 1958 (Cth), including substantial penalties, apply to workers, employers and others (ie principal contractors) in respect of various types of illegal work practices.

See The right to work in Australia.