Glenn Lazarus (Queensland, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

My question is also to the Minister Assisting the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Minister Cash. As a senator, I regularly visit rural and regional Queensland to meet and talk with people in local communities. Last week I toured businesses and community groups in Cairns, Townsville and Mackay. The main issue affecting the region is of course lack of jobs.

I spoke with abattoir workers from a rural town where many people are out of work and want jobs. The local abattoir, which should be the main employer for the town, is employing few locals. Instead, 75 per cent of the workers are 457 visa holders who are brought in, because they are cheaper to employ. What is the government doing to stop the rorting of the 457 visa system to ensure Australians are given the first opportunity to secure jobs across our country?