Workplace relations Minister Chris Evans has sought an urgent briefing of fair work Australia and Australia building watchdog to ensure employers who exploit foreign workers are being investigated.
Senator Evans said he was increasingly concerned by reports of companies trying to exploit overseas workers and undermining wages and conditions of Australian workers.
Senator Evans "Australian workers have priority for the Australian employment," he said.
Announcement: story continues belowEmployers can sponsor workers under 457 visas if Australian workers are not available to fill those jobs, but visa rules are clear.
"Employers may face penalties for contractors who do not have rights to work in Australia or overseas hiring workers under conditions not equivalent to Australians," Senator Evans said.
The Minister said that he would meet with Nick Wilson of Ombudsman fair working Australian building and construction Commissioner Leigh Johns in the coming days to ensure the reported incidents are being investigated properly.
Senator Evans said that "the Government will not tolerate Australians being forced out of work as a result of illegal and abusive practices,".
Foreign workers played a key role in meeting skills shortages, but could not be used as a cheap source of work and were offered the same protections against Australian exploitation as workers under the law.
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