Review of English proficiency for skilled migrants

Unions and industry groups are at odds over proposed changes to English proficiency requirements for 457 visa applicants. A primary industry union is warning lowering the level of language fluency required for migrant skilled workers will result in increased numbers of work-related accidents. But a national industry group claims current requirements are so tough that talented overseas workers are being left out. They've put their cases to an independent review of the temporary migration program which is due to deliver its recommendations next month.

A factory worker pours molten iron at Backwell IXL in Geelong