Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Back for his question. The government is committed to ensuring that the subclass 457 visa program acts as a supplement to—and not a substitute for—Australian workers. I announced today that the government will act on recommendations of the independent review of the 457 visa program to strengthen integrity within the program, to ensure that Australian workers have priority, and to support employers with genuine skills shortages.

I can confirm that the review did not find that there was widespread misuse of the program. It did, however, make some sensible suggestions for the strengthening of the program and for reducing the red-tape costs for business. The review panel consulted extensively across Australia, meeting with over 140 stakeholders face-to-face, and considering in excess of 189 written submissions, including from businesses, unions, industry bodies and academics. Key recommendations of the review included increased focus on targeting employers who seek to misuse the program; greater transparency around the department's sanctions processes; and proactive sharing of information between key government agencies. The Department of Immigration and Border Protection will work collaboratively with the Australian Taxation Office to crosscheck records to ensure that workers on 457 visas are receiving their nominated salary, and are not undercutting Australian workers.

The government will also introduce a new penalty, making it unlawful for sponsors to receive payment in return for sponsoring a 457 visa worker. In terms of business, the government will ensure that businesses that utilise the 457 program appropriately will incur less regulation and cost, without compromising on the necessary safeguards that underpin the scheme. We will reduce the regulatory burden for those businesses with a proven track record by streamlining sponsorship requirements.