'Australia first' foreign visa changes spark cheers, fears

The "457 visa" allows businesses facing skills shortages to employ labor from overseas, but has been slammed by unions amid claims that bosses were abusing it and local workers were missing out. Fair call. Used to work for a CEO who misused 457 big time. I (as dept manager) and HR had a list of criteria and skills we had to systematically include to the job description justifying the need for 'skilled' (sort of) overseas workers. Why did we do this? She (the ceo) reckoned the turnover was lower with young euro workers (which, in all fairness, was true) as most wouldn't/couldn't leave their job if they didn't have a new one lined up (they are basically tied to the job). Also less absenteeism and perhaps more eagerness to work/learn than locals. She also liked the feel of a 'truly' multicultural work environment (although we were 95% caucasians which is quite weird in oz).

Yesterday's article mention $; in our case, this wasn't a financial decision at all as 457 workers' award (i.e salary) was higher than locals' one so we were basically paying foreigners more to do the same work.

My post obviously starts at 'Fair call', apologies. Still have to master the new 'quote' button.

The "457 visa" allows businesses facing skills shortages to employ labor from overseas, but has been slammed by unions amid claims that bosses were abusing it and local workers were missing out.

"The 457 visa is abolished. It will be replaced by a new system that will be manifestly, rigorously, resolutely conducted in the national interest to put Australians and Australian jobs first," Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said Tuesday.

"That's our commitment. Australian jobs, Australian values."

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomed the changes. Australia has every right to adjust it's laws to meet it's needs.