Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Women) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Lazarus for his question. In the first instance in answering your question, the government always believes that, where there is an Australian who is ready, willing and able to undertake a job, an employer should always look to that person first. That is the basic principle under which this government works.

In relation to employment growth under this government, since the government came to office in September 2013, the level of employment has risen by 3.2 per cent—that translates into approximately 366,400 jobs. So there has been a rise in employment growth under this government.

In relation to the 457 program, you will also be pleased to know that, under this government—compared to the former government—there has been a decrease in the number of 457 visa holders in Australia. Under the former government—Minister O'Connor, in particular—there was a rapid escalation in the number of 457 visa holders coming to Australia and it peaked at approximately 110,000. Under this government, you have seen a decrease in the number of those people.

In relation to the exploitation of any worker—and your question is also about foreign workers—we do not tolerate the exploitation of workers. I know that you have previously asked questions about a dob-in line—and certainly the government does have a particular line that people are able to call, if they believe that exploitation of workers is occurring.

So, in answer to your question, Senator Lazarus, where there is an Australian who is ready, willing and able to perform a job, we absolutely stand by the principle that an employer should look to them first. Where there is no-one, we believe that there does need to be a program, because an employer who has no-one— (Time expired)