The Greens will refer allegations of exploitation of foreign workers on farms and in food processing plants to a Senate inquiry into the working visa system, according to its IR spokesperson, Adam Bandt.
An illiterate Indian cook who spoke no English has won $200,000 in compensation from a Sydney restaurant that brought him to Australia and employed him in conditions a judge said were "akin to slavery" and raised questions about the integrity of the 457 visa program.
A full Federal Court has struck down the Coalition's attempt to exclude foreign workers on offshore resources projects from Australian labour standards, throwing their employment status into doubt.
In a lucrative Christmas/New Year period for the Commonwealth's coffers, the Federal Circuit Court has handed down penalties amounting to more than $580,000 in eight separate cases brought by the Fair Work Ombudsman against companies and their directors for breaches of the Fair Work Act.
Less-stringent English testing, a fast-track approval process, retention of market rates and a two-year freeze on the minimum income floor are among the latest changes to Australia's 457 visa program announced by the Federal Government.
Less stringent English standards, abolition of the former government's labour market testing and fast-track approval for large companies with good records are among the raft of changes to Australia's 457 visa program recommended by a panel established by the Coalition earlier this year.
The FWO has launched a review into the hiring of overseas employees on 417 working holiday visas, including allegations that "unscrupulous operators" are exploiting the visa requirements to attract free labour.
