Temporary immigration visa debate rages on

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Created on Friday, 08 March 2013 17:14

Written by Editorial staff

The ongoing debate over proposed reforms for the 457 immigration visa scheme continue this week, with one business leader claiming that employers could be unfairly demonised.

Innes Willox, Ai Group chief executive, claimed that the issue could end up "running completely off the rails", adding that claims of persistent rorting are exaggerated.

Prime minister Julia Gillard refused to back down on her plans to reform the 457 visa scheme, which she described as "out of control" on Monday (February 4).

However, Mr Willox said the debate is desperately in need of facts to straighten out some of the common misconceptions.

"No systemic rorting of the system has been uncovered," he said. "Only three companies have been prosecuted for misusing the system since 2009."

"No evidence has been produced of 457 visas creating any real downward pressure on the wages of Australian workers."

According to the chief executive, there would be a large economic cost to the country if the system was stopped tomorrow.

There are only 100,000 people on this type of visa in the country at the moment, the expert added, which is approximately the same as before the Global Financial Crisis.

"The skilled migration system is too important to the Australian economy to be dragged into the broader immigration debate," he continued.

"It is giving an unwelcome platform to xenophobes and zealots opposed to immigration in any form."

Ms Gillard has already been challenged on her stance this week, after it emerged that several of her closest advisers were working in Australia on the 457 visa scheme.

For example, both her high-profile media director John McTernan and deputy-chief of staff Tom Bentley have British roots, The Australian reported.

Shadow treasurer John Hockey described the revelations as puzzling, considering the security clearances that would be required to take on such positions.

"Julia Gillard says people on 457 visas are taking the jobs of everyday Australians," he told reporters in western Sydney earlier this week. "Aren't there people in her office on 457 visas?"

Mr Willox said the 457 system is a vital gap filler in areas where skills shortages are a regular problem, citing key sectors such as manufacturing, mining, services and construction.

He argued that while employers would hire Australians if they could, in the real world there are often not enough personnel to fill skilled positions - a problem that will only get worse with an ageing population.