Trade Minister Andrew Robb has again misled Australians about the China-Australia Free Trade Agreements impact on our temporary migration system.
Mr Robb said this morning that ChAFTA only removes labour market testing the requirement for employers to advertise jobs locally before turning to temporary migration for Chinese executives.
This is not true.
Chapter 10 of Mr Robbs free trade agreement provides that:
In respect of the specific commitments on temporary entry in this Chapter neither Party shall: (a) impose or maintain any limitations on the total number of visas to be granted to natural persons of the other Party; or (b) require labour market testing, economic needs testing or other procedures of similar effect as a condition for temporary entry.
The Annex to chapter 10 lists business visitors, intra-corporate transferees, independent executives, contractual service suppliers including people in trades, technical and professional occupations, and installers and servicers, in the categories of occupations exempt from labour market testing.
Mr Robb knows its not just executives because he negotiated and signed the final agreement.
Labor supports a high quality free trade agreement with China with safeguards for Australian jobs.
The Abbott Government doesn't need to change or renegotiate the FTA to protect Australian jobs as it knows full well, Parliament doesnt vote on the FTA. It can provide the assurance in the enabling legislation.
Mr Robb should put the national interest first and work with Labor to create safeguards that ensure Australians benefit from job opportunities created by ChAFTA.