Malcolm Turnbull (Wentworth, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the honourable member for his question. I remind the honourable member for Bass that his party is led by a man who is the absolute Olympic champion in issuing 457 visas. Nobody issued more 457 visas than the Leader of the Opposition did when he was the minister. He was the champion. The level of 457 visas issued today is more than a third lower than it was during the honourable member opposite's time as minister. I will ask the immigration minister to supplement this answer, but can I say to the honourable member: we are absolutely committed to ensuring that there are great jobs, more jobs and better paid jobs for Australians. The regime governing 457 visas has been constrained under our government—has been modified to better protect Australian jobs. It was running amok under the time of the Leader of the Opposition.

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