Labor: Protecting Local Workers package: Promoting local employment or unduly stifling temporary work visas?

Introduction

Immigration policies will be a key focus at the upcoming Federal election. In a press release dated 23 April 2019, the opposition Labor party released the first details of its proposed 'Protecting Local Workers package' ('PLW package'). Advocating significant alterations to the present 482 programme (referred to in the PLW as a 457-style visa), Labor proposes to advance local employment opportunities whilst minimising the risk of exploitation of foreign temporary workers. This update outlines the key elements of Labor's proposed reforms, before discussing the predicted consequences of these alterations to the 482 visa programme.

Overview of proposals

Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold