Business groups have criticised the federal government’s latest crackdown on the 457 visa program, following today’s announcement that the Fair Work Ombudsman would be given new powers to monitor and oversee 457 visa compliance.
Immigration Minister Brendan O’Connor announced that the Ombudsman would be granted oversight of several key aspects of the visa program including monitoring and enforcing compliance over salary market rates and job descriptions for visa holders.
Mr O’Connor said the new powers will protect temporary workers using the visa and safeguard Australian workers from being undercut in pay and conditions.
However, chief executive of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), James Pearson slammed the government’s plans as damaging short term politicking.
Mr Pearson, who serves on the government’s Ministerial Advisory Council on Skilled Migration (MACSM) said the government’s rhetoric and action over 457 visas was damaging Australia’s investment reputation.
“Australia’s international reputation as a place to invest and do business, is at risk if Australian employers, in the private sector and government, are not able to supplement our local workforce with skilled temporary and permanent migrants to meet the need to build projects and provide services to the community.”
In a statement, Mr Pearson said the government were making changes without consulting industry or providing evidence to support the claims of widespread program abuse.
“The most recent government announcement, today’s proposed change to extend powers to the Fair Work Ombudsman in relation to immigration, has not been made in consultation with MACSM,” he said.
The Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) also voiced their concerns over the governments proposed plans.
Ai Group, chief executive Innes Willox said the politicisation of the issue over recent weeks was worrying.
"We remain concerned that the series of announcements around 457 visas, combined with offensive and repeated references by unions to the system being akin to slavery, is unfairly demonising employers and vilifying 457 visa holders," Mr Willox said.
Master Builders Australia attacked the Fair Work Ombudman's new powers stating that it believes the Department of Immigration is the appropriate agency for regulation and should continue to supervise the visa program.
The business group also criticised the governments handling of 457 visas.
Chief executive officer, Wilhelm Harnisch called for "a rational discussion between government and industry rather than Government making decisions on the run.”
“There is only a small number documented cases where rogue employers have been caught abusing 457 visas, which shows the current system is working. Simply citing anecdotal cases of alleged abuses does not prove the current system is failing," Mr Harnisch said.
