Gemma Tarpey-Brown
Thesis title
Women’s experiences of temporary labour migration between Australia and Pacific Island countries and Timor Leste
Description of PhD Project
The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme is seen by many as a “triple win” as it provides a range of benefits for workers, for Australia, and for participating countries. However, we know from emerging evidence that migrant workers involved in PALM also experience exploitation and mistreatment. While information about poor working conditions is increasing, we still don’t know a lot about how the scheme affects women. This includes women who themselves temporarily migrate to Australia as well as those who remain in their home country while their partners come to Australia.
To ensure women’s health and wellbeing is prioritised and supported through participating in temporary labour migration, this PhD will build evidence on how PALM impacts the lives of women and their families.
The overall aim of this research will be to build understanding of women’s experiences of temporary labour migration and how these experiences shape health and well-being outcomes. I also aim to explore women’s experiences of transnational family separation and how this affects healthy family relationships.
Supervisors
Associate Professor Karen Block
Biography
Gemma Tarpey-Brown is an early career researcher & PhD candidate at the Nossal Institute for Global Health and has a strong commitment to health and social equity. Her research focuses on the intricate health impacts associated with migration, structural violence and gender-based violence. Gemma holds a Master of Public Health and is interested in developing effective interventions for the prevention of, and recovery from, multiple forms violence.
Alongside her research, she has a background in migration support and has worked with various national and international non-government organisations to provide trauma-informed support to migrant survivors of genocide, family violence, human trafficking, and individuals held in mandatory immigration detention on and offshore.
Funding/scholarships
Melbourne Social Equity Institute PhD Scholarship