Master Builders of Australia has come out against proposed changes to 457 visas, calling proposed changes an unwarranted and politicised attack.

MBA is concerned The Migration Amendment (Temporary Sponsored Visas) 2013 Bill introduces additional labour market testing, provides provisions for the Immigration Minister to unilaterally overrule skills on the Combined Skilled Occupations List and gives more power to the Fair Work Commission to examine sponsoring businesses rather than the Department of Immigration. 
 
Wilhelm Harnisch, Chief Executive Officer of Master Builders Australia said the Bill is an unfair attack on legitimate 457 Visa workers and the overwhelming majority of sponsoring employers who do the right thing. 
 
“The attack on legitimate 457 visa workers and sponsoring employers has to stop. It is damaging to business confidence and for Australia’s international reputation as an employer.
 
“The Bill is poor public policy as it not evidence based. The Government has failed to prove a systematic problem with the 457 visa system, it has merely submitted to union scaremongering and hearsay.” 

When confronted recently, Immigration Minister Brendan O’Connor brushed off criticism from business and migration groups, defending moves to introduce labour market testing to the program.

Debate will resume on Tuesday on legislation that will introduce a ‘local jobs check’, requiring employers to spend 1 to 2 per cent of their payroll on training, and empowering 300 inspectors from the Fair Work Ombudsman’s office to investigate sponsorship breaches.