George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Madigan, for that question and thank you for the courtesy of giving me some advanced notice of it. I do not accept, Senator Madigan, your implied assertion that 457 visa programs have been rorted. Indeed, the former minister, Mr O'Connor's claim that there had been in excess of 10,000 cases of abuse of 457 visas had, by his own subsequent admission, no basis in fact.

The government is fully committed to ensuring that the subclass 457 program acts as a supplement to and not a substitute for Australian workers. We have been clear that this government fully supports the principle that Australian workers take priority. What the government does not support, however, is needless and inefficient red tape, which is hampering productivity, adding costs to business and hampering growth and jobs. An effectively managed temporary labour migration program will not threaten Australian jobs; rather, it will secure the future of business and grow employment opportunities to enable businesses to employ more Australians. An effectively managed 457 program is essential in supporting employers in industries and regions experiencing skill shortages. It is essential in restoring growth in the economy and it is essential in lifting our productivity.