Peter Whish-Wilson (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

That is interesting. It is contrary to the evidence that we heard. Perhaps I could get clarification from you on that. The CFMEU, for example, talked about their concerns around the trades of cabinet-maker, carpenter, and carpenter and joiner who do not have licensing requirements to work in the trade. They commented:

Removing mandatory skills assessments for Chinese 457 visa applicants in these trades is therefore removing the last and only regulatory safeguard designed to prevent employers nominating for 457 visas Chinese workers who do not possess Australian-standard skills in these trades.

They also cited removal of mandatory skills assessment as a potential cause of exploitation in temporary migrant workers.