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:...
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...
Big companies not playing by the same 457 visa program rules
Questions are being raised about the visa activities of some of Australia’s biggest infrastructure and mining players amid a probe into working visas. The latest investigation centres around allegations that Irish workers have fraudulently obtained 457 visas to work...
Demonising overseas skilled workers
DURING her desperate days of early 2013, Julia Gillard deliberately set off on an ugly, disgraceful and pitiful path by campaigning against migrant workers on temporary 457 visas. Playing to Labor’s wolfish union powerbrokers, whistling an “Aussie jobs first” tune, Ms...
Visa fraud, migration crime ‘rampant,’ Immigration Department files reveal
Rampant visa fraud and migration crime involving people flying into Australia are going unchecked while the government focuses on stopping boats, according to secret government files detailing entrenched Immigration Department failings. Hundreds of pages of leaked...
457 visa workers at Roy Hill being exploited, whistleblower claims
A whistleblower at Gina Rinehart's Roy Hill iron ore project in Western Australia's Pilbara region claims workers on 457 visas are working excessive hours and being grossly underpaid. The CFMEU says it has asked Employment Minister Eric Abetz to start an urgent...
Migration Council Australia releases in-depth report on Australia’s 457 Visa Program
The Migration Council Australia recently released an extensive report on the 457 visa program. CANCELLED READ: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/repealed-visas/temporary-work-skilled-457 The report provides a detailed look at...
Scott Morrison warnings on 457 visa abuse
THE Coalition has warned employers who abuse the 457 visa program they will be punished as brutally as people-smugglers, prompting renewed demands from business for the government to urgently repeal Labor's crackdown on the scheme for skilled foreign workers. In his...
Coalition vows to end ‘union red tape’ for faster 457 visas
THE Abbott government has vowed to slash "union red tape" on 457 visas as business steps up its demands for the reversal of Labor's crackdown on the scheme for bringing foreign skilled workers to Australia. In a closed-door speech yesterday, Australian Mines and...
CCIQ to address important Fair Work Act changes on roadshows
One of the most important pieces of legislation for small business operators to be aware of is the Fair Work Act 2009. On January 1 2014, important amendments to the FW Act come into effect, which will have a significant impact on the obligations of business owners in...