There is the argument that by forcing employers to treat them on all respects as an Australian there is a disincentive to employ a foreigner.
Well .... no ...... to you and empire 4.
Overseas skilled workers, working in Australia on a sub class 457 Visa have full entitlement to protection under Australian industrial and WH&S laws, as it should be. Australia does not have two classes of workers.
However, overseas workers do not have access to all the benefits enjoyed by Australians. For example, they can not access Medicare benefits but must buy and hold current Private Medical Insurance at their own expense. They can also not access any Australian social welfare benefits nor can they or their family obtain education or vocational training at Government expense.
If their employment is terminated for any reason they must either find an alternate sponsoring employer or leave Australia within 28 days of ceasing employment.
DIAC has a high priority to ensure Australians first and that no overseas worker shall displace an Australian Citizen or Australian Permanent Resident.
If you are aware of any instance where there are two identically qualified workers, one a tempory overseas worker, the other an Australian and the Australian is terminated in preference to the overseas worker, I am sure DIAC would want to be informed.
Does the ALAEA not take an interest in these matters?