Overseas workers to supplement not replace local work force
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, said today that the Rudd Government’s priority is to provide training and job opportunities for Australians.
Senator Evans said a range of measures introduced in consultation with industry and unions will ensure temporary skilled overseas workers on Subclass 457 visas are not employed ahead of local workers or used to undermine Australian wages and conditions. The reforms also prevent exploitation of foreign workers and assist in improving workplace safety.
These measures include the implementation of formal skills assessments and an increase in the English language requirement for trade occupations from 1 July 2009; the introduction of a market-based minimum salary for temporary overseas workers from mid September 2009; and a requirement that all employers of overseas workers on 457 visas have a strong record of, or demonstrated commitment to, employing local labour.
The Rudd Government has also established Skills Australia to provide independent advice on national skills and training priorities for more than 700,000 new training opportunities over the next three years.
Senator Evans said the number of overseas workers coming to Australia on temporary skilled migration visas has fallen significantly this year in response to the slowing economy and changes the Government introduced this year to protect local jobs.
'While the number of workers coming to Australia under the scheme has slowed, there will still be demand for skilled overseas workers in some sectors, such as mining and healthcare,' Senator Evans said.
'Where there are demonstrated skills shortages, the temporary skilled migration (457 visa) program provides the capacity for employers to access skilled overseas workers to supplement the local workforce.'
Senator Evans said administrative changes recommended by industry experts last year had resulted in faster and more efficient processing of primary applications for temporary skilled migration visas by the department.
'The Rudd Government recognises the need for industry to access skilled overseas labour where there are demonstrated skills shortages but it is important that the program complements domestic recruitment and is not used to replace local workers,' the Minister said.
'In the current economic climate, Mr Barnett’s focus ought to be on training and employing West Australians rather than looking to relax provisions for employing overseas workers.'
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/media/media-releases/2009/ce09068.htm
Last update: 30 July 2009 at 14:24 AEST