457 visa reforms applauded

Many of the recent reforms to the 457 temporary skilled migration visa program have been well received by industry, particularly across the building, construction and resource sectors, while some may require further consultation to ensure a mutually beneficial outcome.

Both the Australian Mines and Metals Association (AMMA) and Master Builders Australia (MBA) have publicly signalled approval of some of the changes, which have been developed in response to an independent integrity review of the program.

The MBA believes that the proposed reforms will support a more productive building and construction industry, as well as create more jobs for young Australians. Wilhelm Harnisch, CEO of Master Builders Australia, says that the government has listened to the building industry’s call for greater flexibility in the system and that the outcome will be less red tape for builders who do the right thing and tougher sanctions for those who don’t.

“Contrary to union claims, the building industry is committed to providing jobs for Australians first. The skills of foreign workers are called on to meet skills deficits on projects when local workers are not available,” he said.

He goes on to praise recommendations put forward by Michaelia Cash, Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, saying, “Minister Cash’s proposed training fund will reduce reliance on overseas workers by supporting building industry training employers to train more young Australians and upskill existing workers.”

The AMMA, however, has concerns regarding training contribution changes. In a statement, Scott Barklamb, executive director of policy and public affairs, AMMA, suggests that replacing the existing system (where employers who use 457 visas are required to spend 1-2%  of annual payroll on training Australians) with the proposed “per visa holder levy” risks penalising those who invest heavily in training and apprenticeship programs as part of their regular business model.

Both organisations support changes to English language competency testing, asserting that the relaxed parameters are now more realistic and practical than the current system