Coalition ends Labor’s bad deal for workers
Fast food businesses will no longer be able to bring in foreign workers on 457 visas under arrangements approved by the Gillard Labor Government in 2012.
The Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton has ended the Fast Food Industry Labour Agreement which saw hundreds of foreign workers take jobs at fast food outlets across Australia.
“Australian workers, particularly young Australians, must be given priority,” Mr Dutton said.
“The Turnbull Government is committed to ensuring that career pathways are available for young Australians.
“Fast track arrangements for the fast food industry put in place by Bill Shorten and Chris Bowen in 2012 are not consistent with putting Australian workers first.
“The 457 visa programme spiralled out of control when Bill Shorten was Employment Minister and Chris Bowen was Immigration Minister.
“They did deals behind closed doors with their union mates to virtually make every occupation open to be filled with a 457 visa holder.
“In fact many unions filled jobs in their own offices that clearly could be done by Australians with foreign workers.
“The Coalition Government is committed to implementing reforms that strengthen Australia’s skilled migration programme to ensure overseas workers supplement rather than provide a substitute for Australian workers.
“Businesses can still make requests under normal labour agreement arrangements to ensure that exceptional circumstances can be considered.
“Genuine business needs for overseas workers which contribute to economic growth will still be considered.”