THE Coalition Government has today announced plans to conduct an independent review into Australia’s temporary skilled migration program as part of its pre-election promise to ease regulatory burden and improve productivity.
In a statement released this morning, assistant minister for immigration and border protection Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash said the review would investigate the subclass 457 visa program, which has undergone significant changes in recent years.
“Given the importance of the 457 program in supporting employers in industries and regions which are experiencing skill shortages, and the potential of the 457 program to contribute to productivity growth in the Australian economy, a review of the integrity of the program in light of these reforms is warranted,” she said.
Concerns around integrity were last year raised by then immigration minister Brendan O’Connor, who alleged Australian business engaged in more than 10,000 visa ‘rorts’, despite evidence to the contrary.
In July 2013, the former Labor government passed legislation imposing a four-month labour market testing requirement for employers and an increase on 457 application fees by more than 200%.
The amendments have caused a significant hike in red tape for Australian employers, risking project delays and potential cost blowouts.
“The review will aim to provide recommendations on how to maintain the integrity of the 457 visa program while not placing unnecessary administrative burdens on business,” Ms Cash said.
“This is in line with the government’s commitment to evidence-based productivity reform.”
Issues to be examined in the review include non-compliance rates among 457 sponsors and the existing compliance burdens on employers, with outcomes expected to inform potential amendments to the current migration landscape.
“While the Coalition is a government committed to deregulation and the removal of unnecessary red tape, we are equally committed to ensuring the integrity of the 457 program,” Ms Cash said.
The review will be carried out by a panel of members experienced in industry, government and migration, to be led by former public servant John Azarias.
A final report is expected to be completed mid-2014.
