More than 10,000 foreign workers are rorting the 457 visa system, Immigration Minister Brendan O'Connor declared on Sunday.
He released new figures showing the number of 457-visa holders on low incomes had doubled in the past year – the number of people holding "Accommodation and Food services" visas grew by 99 per cent and the number holding "Retail" visas grew by 75 per cent.
The average wage for accommodation and food workers was $55,000, and the average wage for retail workers was $69,000.
"When we see evidence that something is not right with the program - such as spikes in particular sectors that are out of step with growth in those industries - we must take action to stamp out any rorts," he said.
Advertisement
And for the first time, Mr O'Connor sought to quantify his argument that the system was prone to rorting, saying more than 10,000 people were abusing the scheme.
"Insofar as numbers, I believe that the areas where there's been an illegitimate use of 457s ... is not negligible," Mr O'Connor told Sky News. "I would say it would exceed 10,000."
Mr O'Connor said he he would introduce legislation when Parliament resumes in May to fix the system.
"I've always said there's a combination of reforms; we'd look at administrative, regulatory and legislative," he said.
"I am yet to determine what parts of the reforms would be introduced in legislation but I can assure you we will be looking to legislate."
According to figures released on Sunday, the number of 457 visas had increased by 19 per cent at the end of March compared with the same time last year, although they fell slightly between January and March this year.
Mr O'Connor accused "unscrupulous" employers of hiring foreign workers to avoid training locals.
“The Gillard government believes locals should have the opportunity to get jobs first, with temporary skilled workers employed from overseas only as a last resort,” Mr O'Connor said.
“I am concerned that some unscrupulous employers are seeking to use 457 visas to avoid training local workers – citizens and permanent residents."
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/political-news/457-visas-more-than-10000-are-rorting-system-says-minister-20130428-2imcy.html#ixzz2Rit0IMwW
No comments:
Post a Comment