Fedral Government Encouraging Foreign Worker Visa Abuse

The abuse of foreign workers and the undercutting of Australian's working conditions is being swept under the carpet by the Federal Government Senator Trish Crossin says.

"The Federal Government has blocked Labor's call for a Senate inquiry into the 457 Temporary Business visas despite emerging evidence of abuse of the visas including in the Northern Territory.

"The scheme is meant to remove blockages in the economy by filling genuine vacancies in areas of skills shortages and to pay foreign workers competitive wages.

"At the same time Australians should have the opportunity and incentives to train in those areas of skill shortage.

"However lax regulation of the system by Minister Vanstone's Department is letting some employers rort the system, bring in unskilled labour and exploiting foreign workers with appalling conditions well below those expected in Australia.

"The Howard Government seems happy for the visas to drive down wages and working conditions for ordinary Australians and provide a cheap labour alternative for employers.

"Why else would it block an inquiry in the 457 visas when there is a clear need to examine the abuse of the system and the damaging results for both Australian and foreign works affected by it?

"Since 2001 the Howard Government has watered down the visa rules so that loopholes exist for employers to hire cheap labour and exploit foreign workers.

"Employers wishing to bring in foreign workers aren't even required to first advertise the positions in Australia.

"It is clear the Government has no intention of protecting Australian jobs and working conditions,” Senator Crossin said.

The Senate inquiry rejected by the Government, was to examine:
- The general efficiency and effectiveness of the visa
- The safeguards in place to ensure the integrity of the system
- The Government's performance as administrator of the visa system
- The role of domestic and international labour hire firms and agreements
- The potential for displacement of Australian workers
- The difference between the pay and conditions of visa holders and the relevant rates in the Australian labour market
- The Government's labour market testing required before visa approval

2006-09-09