Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Education and Training) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Ruston for her question because I know that Senator Ruston is based in the Riverland area of South Australia, one of our prime agricultural areas. As such, she represents a part of Australia which, like so many parts of Australia, will benefit greatly from the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement through increased export opportunities, increased wealth and, most importantly, increased jobs.

ChAFTA does not change the skills and experience requirements that need to be met by any skilled worker applying for a temporary skilled 457 visa to Australia. It is to the shame of those opposite that they follow blindly their leader, Mr Shorten, who, once again, on ABC radio this morning, and in the parliament today, has continued to report falsehoods and to generate a scare campaign in relation to skilled tradespeople working in Australia, which is just not based in truth. Any applicant for a skilled 457 visa will still be required to demonstrate to the department of immigration, the border protection service and the Department of Education and Training that they possess the requisite skills and experience to work in this country. This includes evidence of identity, of work history—

Senator Cameron interjecting—

of qualifications, Senator Cameron, and of memberships of relevant bodies or associations; and references and documents showing English language skills. Further, additional skills assessments from registered training organisations approved by Trades Recognition Australia will be conducted where further verification is required. Perhaps most importantly, anyone working in a licensed trade must continue to meet the requirements of Australian state and territory authorities in relation to those licensed trades. So unlike what Mr Shorten, Senator Cameron or others say, Australians can have confidence that skilled workers in Australia will always be properly skilled. (Time expired)