The Coalition government is pressing ahead with its promise to cut union rate tape on 457 visas.The ABC reports that the government has lifted the cap on sponsors that was introduced by the previous labour government.

The sc457 visa is designed to be responsive to employer needs for workers in particular industries and regions. Before the last election, the unions and the previous government claimed that there was widespread abuse of the program and as such foreigners were being favoured over Australians.

Under union pressure labour had introduced a series of measures which made it more difficult for employers to hire foreign workers. Among them was a cap on the number of approved nominations for sponsors.

Under the changes, employers are expected to be allowed to hire ‘any number of workers’ provided the relevant nomination, sponsorship and visa criteria are properly met. Details of the changes are expected to be released later today by the office of Senator Michaelia Cash, Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women.

The Migration Alliance welcomes the changes. The sc457 has to be driven by the findings of the Australian Productivity Commission as well as industry bodies who are in tune with actual needs of employers. The changes will help lower employment costs by removing unnecessary red-tape and as such help expanding businesses meet their needs for skilled workers more quickly. Strong and growing local businesses will help increase employment opportunities in Australia.”

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Richard Coates has sent through another curly one.  I think migration agents might want to know about this:

Hi Liana, you may want to make agents aware of this situation accountants are being subjected to by the assessing body, I have written this to the 'This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. '

My client has achieved recognition as an accountant by the assessing body regarding his certificates and experience but CPA  cannot issue him with a successful outcome letter as his IELTS test exceeds 2 years as per your Policy but is within 3 years currently .

I have just received this email from a fellow migration agent who wanted me to advise the profession:

Hi Liana ,

Members may need to be informed that DIBP without notification as far as I am aware The website indicates

The ABC reports that thousands of Taiwanese workers employed in some Australian abattoirs are being underpaid, abused and encouraged not to pay tax. It is reported that these abattoirs are using labour hire companies that hire sub-agents to recruit east Asian backpackers who readily fill-out all forms they are given (including ABN application forms) believing it’s just due process for getting the work.

The Meatworkers’ Union have made calls to disallow sc417 visa holders to engage in work on the basis of subcontracting by using ABNs. It says that this has led to workers being underpaid and abused. The Union wants workers to be hired directly and paid at the same rate as Australian workers.

 “We’re talking about excessive hours of work…gross underpayment…mistreatment…allegations of sexual harassment by some of the contract bosses…Not even half the minimum wage is being paid to these workers’’ says Grant Courtney, Secretary Meatworkers Union (Newcastle) who has reportedly been investigating the issue for the last two years.

The report specifically alleges that Primo, one of Australia’s leading abattoirs, uses specialised labour hire companies like Scottwell International to employ the Asian backpackers. Scottwell International however did not respond to the ABC queries. However, Primo has denied the allegation in a statement but indicated that it will investigation the matter:

“Allegations of workers being encouraged not to pay tax are untrue. We do not hire anyone under a 417 visa. We do hire the services of labour hire agencies…It may be more appropriate to address…them.” 

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With Canada’s cancellation of its popular investor visa leaving an estimated 65,000 applicants in the lurch, analysts are suggesting that this wealth which runs into the billions could now dart its way down south to Australia. It’s no wonder then that the Australian states are now stepping up the battle to attract Chinese investors by easing up their requirements for sponsorship under Australia’s significant investor visa programme.

The Australian programme essentially grants a 4-year renewable visa to investors who pour $5 million into Australia’s coffers and are sponsored by a state government. The states set their own criteria for sponsorship and have steadily eased these requirements in the battle to attract the migrating wealth.

The Australian reports that NSW is set to significantly ease its sponsorship rules. The reports states that Deputy Premier Andrew Stone is expected to announce at an industry event in Sydney today that, “NSW's business investment criteria has been reduced,” for the purposes of state sponsorship of the Significant Investor Visa programme.

“A requirement to spend $3m if establishing a business in Sydney will be reduced to $1.5m, and from $2m to $1m for businesses established in regional NSW. As well, requirements on the total funds to be transferred to cover business investment and settling expenses will be relaxed, dropping from $4m to $3m in Sydney and from $2.5m to $2m in regional areas. The move is designed to compete with Victoria, which has marketed itself in China to business migrants and has less specific or onerous conditions.”

The Australian reports that Queensland requires applicants to invest $2.5m in a business if it is Brisbane or the Gold Coast, which creates at least five jobs, with higher thresholds for property development businesses.