Skilled migration program to be reviewed
April 14, 2008 - 7:05AM, smh
The exploitation of migrant workers, salary levels and English language requirements will be examined in a six-month federal review of the temporary skilled migrant program.
The federal government has appointed industrial relations commissioner Barbara Deegan to head the review.
Immigration and Citizenship Minister Chris Evans said Ms Deegan would draw on her extensive expertise in the industrial relations sector to review the 457 visa program and provide options to improve its integrity.
The review would address concerns about the exploitation of migrant workers, salary levels and English language requirements, he said.
"Ms Deegan will consult with overseas workers, union and industry representatives as well as relevant commonwealth, state and territory agencies," Senator Evans said in a statement.
Ms Deegan will take leave from her current position as commissioner of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission to undertake the independent review.
She will head a working party of industry and trade union leaders.
The review will look at measures to strengthen the integrity of the temporary skilled migration program; the employment conditions that apply to workers employed under the program; the adequacy of measures to protect 457 visa holders from exploitation; and the English language requirements for the granting of migration workers' visas.
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- Dear Fellow Bloggers, For some time I have thought about starting a left of centre news and commentary service and I have tried to do this by using email. But as some good, but email overloaded friends have suggested, a better way to go may be by blogging. So here it is! Jenny's Red News. My primary interests are left of centre politics and the very important question of how can we get left of centre parties, groups and grouplets in Australia working together more co-operatively. The right of centre predominates politics in this country at the present time, and they are on the march. We on the left of centre need to work together more co-operatively and constructively to put the left of centre agenda out there, for the perusal and consumption of the Australian people. Particular topics that will be reported on and on which comments are welcome are: Industrial relations - Opposition to Workchoices Refugee and Asylum Seekers Human Rights Civil Liberties Opposition to the Welfare to Work Changes Health System Reform Aboriginal Health and Reconciliation Jenny Haines posted by JENNY'S RED NEWS at 12:50 AM 0 comments