Employment Workplace Relations

Director, Philip Brewin is a specialist in Workplace Relations and heads our Workplace Relations Work Group.

Tuesday, 9 May 2017

Changes to Employer Nominated Permanent Residence (subclass 186 visa)

In addition to the 457 changes recently and unexpectedly announced by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, the Permanent Employer Sponsored Skilled Migration Program will also undergo a number of changes. The 457 visa has historically been a pathway to Australian Permanent Residence under this program. From 19 April 2017 Applicants under the Direct Entry Stream will only be eligible to apply if their nominated occupation is on the MLTSSL or STSOL Applicants under the Temporary Residence Transition Stream can still apply as usual (even...

Thursday, 4 May 2017

What are the impacts of the 457 visa changes?

In Summary, the 457 visa changes have substantial effects: 1) Lodged applications for 457 visas for over 216 occupations are being declined retrospectively 2) The difficulty of obtaining short term and medium term 457 visas has increased 3) Permanent residency applications for short term occupations are blocked 4) Strict caveats for many skilled occupations are now enforced and include - specialised job duties - minimum levels of work experience - new maximum age restriction - increased English skill requirement - limitations...

Thursday, 9 March 2017

Fast food businesses will no longer be able to bring in foreign workers on 457 visa

The Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton announced recently that the government has ended the Fast Food Industry Labour Agreement which saw hundreds of foreign workers take jobs at fast food outlets across Australia.   McDonalds, Hungry Jack’s and KFC will be barred from sponsoring foreign workers on 457 visas, which are intended to fill temporary skill shortages. This will provide more career opportunities for Australian workers, particularly young Australians.   The Coalition Government is committed...