Liberal says big business favours vulnerable temporary visa workers

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 07:55 · Archive

Coalition frontbencher Andrew Hastie has accused big business of opposing migration reform because they profit from temporary workers' vulnerability.

Liberal frontbencher Andrew Hastie has accused big business of opposing migration reform because they profit from temporary workers' vulnerability. He told the ABC on Friday that businesses 'like having a vulnerable workforce' on temporary visas because such workers are non-unionised, can be paid less, and are unlikely to make complaints.

The Coalition has proposed reducing the overall number of temporary visa holders by 650,000 over four years, with priorities for aged care, healthcare, and construction workers. Labor, the Coalition, and One Nation have all targeted temporary visa holders in proposed reforms to Australia's migration system.

Business leaders, including the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, have warned that significant cuts to temporary visa holders would hit some sectors hard and have agitated against the reform proposals.

Mr Hastie said he believes the temporary migration system erodes workers' and union rights. He told ABC he had heard from many migrants on temporary visas who had experienced issues with migration agents and their bosses.

How it is being reported

• Andrew Hastie says big business wants temporary migrants because they are ‘vulnerable’A leading Liberal has broken ranks with his party’s big business allies – making an extraordinary claim they “like having a vulnerable workforce” on temporary visas.The West Australian · 9 Oct, 07:39
• Andrew Hastie says big business wants temporary migrants because they are ‘vulnerable’A leading Liberal has broken ranks with his party’s big business allies – making an extraordinary claim they “like having a vulnerable workforce” on temporary visas.Perth Now · 9 Oct, 07:38

In this story: Andrew Hastie · Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry · Coalition · Labor · One Nation · Australia

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