Re: Another attack on the 457 Visa
 

Exactly. Anyone not happy with their visa situation can always give the midlle to finger to our oppresive government/employers and storm off

Re: Another attack on the 457 Visa
 

That's right, they could. Someone from, say, the UK might. But someone from India may very well not. The choice between little or no pay, and a relatively high wage, isn't much of a choice. A 457 visa holder isn't responsible for controlling entry, wages and conditions. It's the old hierarchy of needs thing - if you're worried about making enough money to feed and house your family, you're not going to be too concerned about the politics or economics of immigration.

Re: Another attack on the 457 Visa
 

I can't quite figure out your point, but if you are suggesting employers might start using 457's to employ cheap labour from India then I think that's a incredibly sensible business decision.

There would be 2 things that happen along the way that may prevent this from happening.

1. The Indian does their research and understands that living on a low salary in Australia is not a wise move and therefore rejects the offer.
2. The government rejects the visa application as their are already individuals living in Australia capable of doing the job.

Re: Another attack on the 457 Visa
 

I wasn't making any point, I was responding to your statements that 457 visa holders can either refuse a position or jib it and leave if they don't like the pay.

Actually, I suppose I was making a point, and I'll make it again. 457 visa holders don't write the legislation, nor are they responsible for policing it. Their only responsibility is to abide by the conditions of their visa. The fact that they can leave if they don't like the job, for whatever reason, doesn't shift responsibility from the government one iota.

Re: Another attack on the 457 Visa
 

So, if Australia does move into a period of higher unemployment, would there be a case for scrapping the 457, except for in the most difficult of roles to fill?
The idea that the IT industry, for example, still needs 457's a bit of a joke.

Re: Another attack on the 457 Visa
 

They'll probably leave it there to be used if needed in areas where supply is weak.

Re: Another attack on the 457 Visa
 

I don't think it would be scrapped but I would imagine tight quotas would be imposed on certain occupations.

Re: Another attack on the 457 Visa
 

Wouldn't that be a part of them negotiating their contract with the sponsoring company?

Re: Another attack on the 457 Visa
 

I would think it's the government's responsibility to make sure employers are providing at least minimum wages and conditions, and to prosecute if those aren't being met. Of course a 457 visa holder can negotiate wages and conditions, but it's not a responsibility.

I could be missing something though, I don't profess to be a full bottle on the subject. :)

Re: Another attack on the 457 Visa
 

I've never understood this argument. The cost of labour is a product of the availability of labour. The US and Europe have more people, higher unemployment, therefore wages are generally lower. We have a small population with lots if resource projects/operations. No profitable business pays more for labour than they have to

Re: Another attack on the 457 Visa
 

Especially where the mines are.

Oz mining is successful because it can pay the wages and be profitable. Gina may lament she cannot pay African wages but I see no point in a peanut paying industry.

Re: Another attack on the 457 Visa
 

No as there are specialists that Australia does not have or does not have the capability of developing. I am not talking IT. Medicine is the prime one. The main thing is to set the bar high and meet a genuine skill gap. Too often the scheme is used the make up for inadequate training and development.

Re: Another attack on the 457 Visa
 

It was about 50% in 2011 :)

Re: Another attack on the 457 Visa
 

The current minimum market rate salary to be able to apply for 457 applicants is $51,400 annual. This will rise next month.

Under that figure and the employer cannot sponsor a 457 applicant,

Re: Another attack on the 457 Visa
 

Yes. Thats also something the singapore govt does too. Prevents employers from hiring lots of cheap labour from its poorer neighbours. I think the gillard govt is rubbish but the shake up of lahfa and 457s in a time that's getting tougher is smart.