Figures released by Australia's Department of Immigration and Border Protection show that the number of 457 visas being issued to foreign workers has increased by 40 per cent across the state of Tasmania. Due to an ongoing skills crisis, the number of visas issued in...
Regional centres becoming more popular – research finds
People moving to live and work in Australia naturally gravitate to the big cities such as Sydney and Melbourne, but research suggests regional parts of the country are becoming more popular. One of the issues is that house prices in most capital cities are becoming...
Labour market testing – a thing of the past?
Australian businesses are against labour market testing by employers who want to employ skilled labour from overseas jobs while trade unions believe it will just add an unwelcome level of red tape. The issue of labour market testing has been contentious for years,...
New bill to make payment for 457 Visa’s illegal
The Turnbull Government today introduced legislation to the Parliament to make it a criminal offence for a sponsor to be paid by a visa applicant in return for securing a migration outcome. Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Senator the Hon...
Australian announces more measures to help working visa holders
The Australian Government has announced further measures to help protect vulnerable workers by providing additional information and resources to visa holders so they understand their workplace rights. Assistant Immigration Minister Michaelia Cash said it is rolling...
Looming trades skills shortages
Australia’s trades are suffering a mid-life crisis, as half the nation’s young apprentices drop out of their training. NSW Skills Minister John Barilaro said with the average age of a tradesperson being 40, there was a looming shortage of plumbers, electricians and...
Better Compliance, Not More Laws, Needed To Protect Integrity Of Working Visa Program
Reports that some temporary visa workers are not being treated in accordance with Australian laws demonstrate the case for improved enforcement rather than new laws, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry said today. Kate Carnell AO, CEO of the ACCI, said:...
Citizenship for sale: government explores price-based immigration system
The scheme could help the government rein in the budget deficit by bringing in tens of billions of dollars in extra revenue. The Australian government would sell the right to immigrate to Australia - with migrants no longer accepted based on their skills or family...
Liberals tighten checks on 457 visas
INTEGRITY checks on the 457 skilled visa program will be strengthened, including by sharing data with the Australian Taxation Office, to ensure overseas workers receive their nominated salary and are not undercutting Australian jobs. A new penalty will also be...
Australia Needs More Overseas Workers to Boost Economy
Australia should welcome more migrants and will need more than 250,000 a year by 2050 to raise living standards and boost the economy, according to a new analysis report. Such a policy would add $1.6 trillion to the economy and should be regarded as a positive move at...
