According to Printing Industries, industrial experts have made a large number of recommendations to the Government that include:

• Abolishing the current minimum salary level provisions and replacing them with market rates for skilled workers on salaries of less than $100,000

• Removing concessional provisions for employers in regional locations

• The payment of salaries for sponsored workers should be made by direct credit to the skilled workers Australian bank account

• Sponsors of skilled workers should be required to maintain income protection for the duration of their employment

• A requirement that employers should provide a statutory declaration where they accept that their nominated skilled workers possess the necessary skills to perform the tasks of the occupation

• That the Department of Employment Education and Workplace Relations prepare a list of training options from which employers can choose in order to demonstrate a commitment to training

• Trades Recognition Australia should provide a simple service for 457 visa holders to have their trade qualifications assessed against Australian standards

• Employers of 457 skilled workers be levied through the tax system to fund the provision of services to visa holders, including Medicare access to public health services, plus removal costs if required

• Immigration Outreach Officers should be placed part time with multiple industry associations; for short term periods only

There will be a Skilled Migration Consultative Panel, comprising of business and industry groups that will provide feedback and advice to the Government on the report. The Government response will form part of the 2009 Budget process.

Senator Evans announced on 14 November 2008 that the recommended levy from employers to fund provision of services such as Medicare access for 457 visa holders was “contrary to Government policy on access to these services for temporary visa holders”.

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