2008-2009 Government Commitment to Immigration

Migration Program- 37,500 place increase 2008-2009

The Government will increase the 2008‑09 Migration Program by 37,500 places, comprising an additional 31,000 places in the skill stream and 6,500 places in the family stream at an estimated cost of $1,386.8 million over four years. The 2008‑09 Migration Program planning level will therefore be increased from 152,800 to 190,300 places. This increase is intended to help address skilled labour shortages and to help businesses expand, delivering benefits to the Australian economy.

The increase in the Migration Program will require the provision of health, education, employment and other services and benefits for the additional permanent migrants.

Temporary Working Visas- enhanced arrangements

The Government will provide $19.6 million over four years (including $0.4 million in capital funding in 2008‑09) to strengthen the integrity of temporary working visa arrangements, including the 457 visa program, by clarifying the obligations and rights of employers and workers, further protecting workers from exploitation. 

The funding will support a comprehensive information strategy and the development and introduction of legislation to better define employers’ obligations, improve investigative powers of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, and develop a more robust sanctions framework to protect workers’ rights.

This measure also includes the establishment of a departmental working group to develop a longer‑term reform package to improve the responsiveness and integrity of temporary working visa arrangements. The group will receive input from an expert in industrial relations, and representatives from state and territory governments, industry and unions.