Temporary Migrant Workers and Social Justice Workshop Temporary Labour Migration: A Government perspective Peter Job, Director, Temporary Migration Strategy and Analysis Section 7 April 2010

The late 1990s saw a shift from permanent to temporary entry Permanent Program Balance NZ/Aus arrival/dept Temporary entry Net Overseas Migration

The shift to temporary migration

Net Overseas Migration and Visa Grant Trends Source: DIAC, Principal Advisor Migration Strategies

Settlement services (DIAC funded ) enables access the services need, develop self- sufficiency and participate economically and socially in the Australian community. The target group is based on three key criteria – permanent residence, migration stream and English proficiency Prioritises new arrivals most in need of assistance Not directed towards temporary entrants programs promoting cultural diversity and social cohesion are broadly targeted eg Diverse Australia Program Settlement services

Subclass 457 visa program Allows employers to sponsor skilled workers needed in Australia. -need for labour market responsiveness -prevent exploitation of overseas workers - protect Australian jobs and working conditions - meet our international obligations. Solution: incentives (price signal) for sponsors and employees and avoid blunt regulatory/compliance intervention that may breach our international obligations, with robust legislation for non compliance

Trend for Subclass 457 Visa Grants

Subclass 457 visa program reforms Migration Legislation Amendment (Worker Protection) Act 2008 – greater protection for Subclass 457 visa holders Market salary rates – equivalent pay and conditions for equivalent work Increased sanctions for sponsors who breach their obligations Information sharing with other workplace enforcement agencies Greater scrutiny for the high risk caseload of Subclass English language and skills assessment for trade occupations and chefs Improved mobility for Subclass 457 visa holders Supported by education and information campaign

Three year pilot Benefits horticulture sector and Australian economy Contributes to economic development in the Pacific – remittances and skills training 2500 visa places over three years - Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Vanuatu Stay up to seven months, revolving program Robust pastoral care by employers Labour market testing Close monitoring evaluation in July 2010 and August 2011 Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme

Student visa program and pathways to permanent residence Strong growth in NOM –surge in long term temporary arrivals. – Incentive of onshore permanent residence pathway, particularly international students. – Lower threshold VET courses for students to get onshore PR – Poor labour market outcome - lack of experience and English language skills. Policy reforms to: link migration flows to economic conditions in Australia and decouple expectations that a particular course will guarantee student visa holders an “entitlement” for permanent residence.

Introduction of the Critical Skills List (CSL) Priority for employer sponsored migration, state and territory sponsored applicants Job-ready program for trades occupations (1 Jan 2010) Increased English language requirements Revoked the Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL) New Skilled Occupation list mid 2010 Review of points test Review of the selection arrangements Skilled Migration Program reforms