The joint migration committee will look into the adequacy of current eligibility requirements for temporary business visas. It also wants to investigate the effectiveness the current monitoring, enforcement and reporting arrangements for this visa category.

In announcing the inquiry today, chairman Don Randall MP said temporary skilled migrants were vital to Australia’s ongoing prosperity.

“Australia has invested heavily in training young Australians, but strong economic growth in Australia has led to a skills shortage in key industry sectors,” he said.

“Australia’s temporary skilled migration 457 visas are playing an important role in attracting people with the skills Australia needs.”

The Australian Government recently announced measures to improve monitoring and compliance under the temporary skilled migration program.

Members of the public can make submissions in writing to the committee until February 2, 2007, after which time public hearings will be held.

Further details can be obtained on the committee's website at http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/mig or by contacting the committee secretariat on (02) 6277 4560 or emailing [email protected].