Glenn Sterle (WA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

My question is to Senator Vanstone, the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs. Does the minister recall her media statement on 1 May 2006 where she announced an increase in the minimum salary for foreign temporary skilled workers? Can the minister confirm the relevant regulations provide for a minimum gross salary of $41,850 per annum but fail to specify a minimum hourly rate? Can the minister also confirm that there is nothing in these regulations to prevent employers from forcing temporary workers to work unreasonable hours in order to earn that minimum salary? Can the minister now provide a guarantee that no 457 visa holders are being forced to work more than 38 ordinary hours per week in order to reach the minimum salary level specified in the regulations?