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

Thank you, Mr President. There are already more than 100,000 temporary workers here in Australia—a 22 per cent rise on a year ago. At the same time, skilled workers living here are looking for work. Let me be very clear: the Gillard government wants to make sure Australians—permanent residents and migrants whose home is Australia—get first dibs on Australian job opportunities. We need a 457 visa system that is fit for purpose, but for genuine demonstrable skill shortages—that is what was designed to be. We do not want it to be misused to the detriment of people for whom Australia is home.