Bill Shorten (Maribyrnong, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Financial Services and Superannuation) Share this | Hansard source

The member for Kennedy has raised issues to do with workplace relations. That would make him the Lone Ranger on that side of the House when it comes to talking about the conditions of workers, so thank you. He was asking me about 457 visas, and there are three points I would like to make.

First of all, this government believes that where there are jobs in Australia that can be filled by Australians, we should do that. We also believe in providing the best training opportunities for Australians. That is why we have spent a record amount on training Australians to take advantage of the jobs in Australia. He specifically asked about Australia Post, and I can reassure any anxiety he may be feeling. I understand that in the mail delivery area of Australia Post there are no 457 visas. I understand that when it comes to administrative functions there is a total of three 457 visas. I understand that in their business called Star Trek—StarTrack—

Opposition members interjecting—

No, Star Trek is what you guys have for industrial relations!—Australia Post employs a total of one person on a 457 visa. So the answer to the member for Kennedy's question is: there are none in mail delivery and I understand there are three in administration and one in StarTrack.

What I can also tell him is that the Migration Council has said that seven per cent of 457 workers have reported that they are being ripped off compared to their Australian counterparts. This is a shonk and should be tackled, and we are tackling it. I can also conclude and tell the member for Kennedy who is expressing his views about the 457 visas that we are clear where we stand, just as we are in terms of workplace relations generally. What I can report to him, though, is what the Leader of the Opposition said on 27 April 2012 in a speech to the IPA—Alex Hawke's favourite book of reference—about 457s. He said that 'under a coalition government, 457s won't just be a component, they'll be the mainstay of our immigration policy'.

Mr Katter interjecting—

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