OZschwitz: Government inspectors will be given powers to enter and search workplaces

GOVERNMENT inspectors will be given powers to enter and search workplaces as part of a new set of federal laws aimed at preventing foreign workers being exploited and the wages and conditions of locals being undercut.

The Minister for Immigration, Chris Evans, will today unveil a discussion paper canvassing measures that will be contained in legislation to be introduced in the spring.

Skilled foreign workers who enter Australia temporarily under the 457 visa rules have long been the subject of concerns about exploitation. There have also been fears that the 457 scheme was being used as a source of cheap labour.

Senator Evans said employers caught doing the wrong thing would face fines of up to $110,000, 10 years' jail, or both.

Small-time transgressors who failed to remedy a breach, as well as repeat offenders, would be publicly shamed, the Immigration Department publishing their names.

For the first time the department would also be given access to information from the Australian Taxation Office and other relevant agencies so it could check whether the temporary workers were being properly paid.

"The intention of the [new laws] is to clarify sponsor obligations and provide further fair and transparent mechanisms for temporary workers from overseas," Senator Evans said.

Inspections would be conducted by specially appointed officers with investigative powers to enter and search workplaces. Senator Evans wants feedback on the proposed measures before introducing the legislation.

The protections were warranted because temporary workers were especially vulnerable, he said.

They were not entitled to Government services such as Medicare and welfare, which provide a safety net for citizens.

And the 457 visa holders "may also be isolated from family support networks and some may be subject to powerful incentives, entirely outside of their work arrangements, to remain in Australia rather than return to their home country".

LNK
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Aquarchy Rules. Liquidate the Reds

ANCAPS Forum, Ancapolis, Aqua-Terra Atlantis Division..

That fucking OZschwitz slave pen!
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