Why were the changes to the gazetted list of occupations introduced?
A number of changes to the Subclass 457 visa program were introduced in order to ensure that it continues to provide industry with needed skills, while not undermining local training and employment opportunities. These measures were developed through 2008 following the commitment by the Government to implement a package of longer-term reforms to the Subclass 457 visa program in 2009 to improve both its integrity and ability to deliver the skills needed in the economy. These measures were developed in response to concerns about the integrity of the Subclass 457 visa program, at a time when the demand for skills was high and the program was growing strongly. The slow-down in the Australian economy in the wake of the global economic crisis and the subsequent decline in demand for Subclass 457 visas has not diminished the need to implement these measures and restore public confidence in the program. One of these measures is that if the Subclass 457 visa program is to be used for the perfor
