The minimum salary that employers must pay temporary skilled workers in Australia has been increased to be $41, 850 for most professionsThis is an increase of more than 7 percent from last year’s level.The minimum salary does not override normal Australian employment conditions. If awards or workplace agreements demand a higher salary, then the higher salary must be paid.“These measures ensure foreign skilled workers are paid salaries reflecting their skills,” said the Minister for Immigration, Amanda Vanstone.
The Minister said she believed the vast majority of employers were in fact paying well above the minimum salaries.
“The average salary of business long stay visa holders – commonly referred to as 457 visas – is currently $65,000.
“This reflects the fact that overseas workers are sought to fill genuine skill shortages in Australia and that, as a consequence of that shortage, wages in those trades and professions are being driven up.”
Minimum salary levels have been set since 2001 to deter employers from recruiting low-paid overseas workers to the detriment of Australian workers.
“In the IT sector, the minimum salary level for workers would be $57,300 – an increase of 12.9 per cent,” the Minister said.
“For highly skilled senior manager positions applying for permanent migration, which does not require an assessment of skills, the minimum salary will be increased to $165,000 a year.”
The Minister also announced the Government would make changes to regional concessions allowed under the 457 visa scheme, including setting an absolute minimum for salaries in regional areas of at least 90 per cent of the standard minimum level.
“This change, from 1 July, 2006, will ensure salary levels approved by regional certifying bodies are at least the minimum acceptable in the Australian context for a skilled worker.”