The Wire

The Manufacturing Worker’s Union has accused some employers of misusing a special visa program to import skilled migrants. A new report from the union has been found a huge increase in the last two years of skilled migrants coming to Australia under the working visa known as visa 457, which covers a variety of skilled professions from architects to tradespeople. Just this week Australia’s biggest tissue manufacturer, ABC tissues, was forced to close its Sydney plant for two weeks after concerns were raised about its safety practices. Doug Cameron from the Manufacturing Worker’s Union, says the scheme is being used by some employers to undercut basic conditions. He’s speaking here with Sarah Dingle.