Federal government gets 457 visa review
The Age
November 4, 2008 – 2:46PM
A report into Australia's temporary skilled migration program has been handed to the federal government but won't be made public immediately.
The government appointed industrial relations expert Barbara Deegan to look into the integrity of the 457 visa scheme, amid claims foreign workers were being exploited.
Her final report contains 66 recommendations, which will now be assessed by the government's Skilled Migration Consultative Panel.
But a spokesman for Immigration Minister Chris Evans said the government would not publicly release the report until a later date, possibly before the end of the year.
In a statement, Senator Evans said the visa scheme was only sustainable if the community was confident overseas workers were not being exploited or used to undermine local wages and conditions.
“The Rudd government is committed to ensuring the subclass 457 visa scheme operates as effectively as possible in contributing to the supply of skilled labour while protecting the employment and training opportunities of Australians and the rights of overseas workers,” he said.
Ms Deegan released three discussion papers and received more than 150 submissions during her six-month review.
She also consulted with employers, peak industry bodies, unions, government agencies, visa holders and academics in all states and territories.
