A six month federal review of the temporary skilled migrant programme is to be conducted with the exploitation of migrant workers, salary levels and English language requirements being examined.

Industrial relations commissioner Barbara Deegan has been appointed by the Rudd Government to head the review with the assistance of industry and trade union leaders.

Chris Evans, Minister of Immigration and Citizenship, said Ms Deegan would draw on her extensive expertise in the industrial relations sector to review the Temporary Business Long Stay subclass 457 visa programme.

The terms of reference for the review include examining: Measures to strengthen the integrity of the temporary skilled migration (Subclass 457 visa) program); the employment conditions that apply to workers employed under the temporary skilled migration program; and the adequacy of measures to protect 457 visa holders from exploitation.

It will also address the health and safety protections and training requirements that apply in relation to temporary skilled workers; the English language requirements for the granting of temporary skilled migration workers’ visas; and the opportunities for Labour Agreements to contribute to the integrity of the temporary skilled migration program.

Ms Deegan will take six months leave from her current role as commissioner of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission to undertake the independent review.

She will consult with overseas workers, union and industry representatives as well as relevant Commonwealth, state and territory agencies.

The review will report periodically to the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship and the Deputy Prime Minister with a final report to be presented by 1 October 2008.