Kate Lundy (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister Assisting for Industry and Innovation) Share this | Hansard source

Australia is a vibrant multicultural nation and generations of migrants have contributed to our national prosperity. The Gillard Labor government understands this and we appreciate the values that so many migrants have brought to this country. This has been reinforced by our multicultural policy and it is why we have proudly identified the multicultural affairs portfolio initially as having a parliamentary secretary and now with a minister.

When migrants settle in Australia we want to make sure that they have the best chance to get a job, just like their fellow Australians. That is why the Gillard government recently announced changes to the overseas temporary worker 457 visa system—because we knew the system was being exploited. When the 457 visa system is exploited it ultimately means that all Australians, including permanent residents and migrants, miss out on jobs right here in Australia. There are already more than 100,000 temporary workers here—

Senator Bernardi interjecting—

Senator Cameron interjecting—