Hermidale’s Stacey Wells-Budd has gained Australian process through the 457 visa. Although the changes have been alarming to some foreign workers, Mrs Wells-Budd believes it’s important to put Australians first in the job hunt. 

“I think it’s important Australians get the first spot on the job front, but if the job can’t be filled by an Aussie, the 457 visa is a great opportunity,” she said.

“To me there is no real changes except making sure there’s a criminal record.”

Mrs Wells-Budd started her application process six years ago when she was managing a pub in Narrabri. She now has Australian residency and the visa changes will not affect her.

“I was running the Wilga Hotel in Narrabri as a manager. The visa requires that an Australian couldn’t do your job. My boss, Bill, spent over eight years managing his own business, he had no success with other managers,” she said.

The experienced publican still works in hospitality as licensee of the Hermidale Hotel. She is worried the changes could have on rural Australian. 

“There’s not the same success rate for jobs in rural ares, but in cities, these changes are good,” she said.

Minister for regional development and deputy leader of the Nationals Party Fional Nash said the reforms will not affect existing visa holders but will changes will be made for people who have applied after April 19. 

“The reforms will not impact existing visa holders. Applicants who have an application for a subclass 457 pending before the department [prior to April 19] will need to have a nominated occupation on the new occupation list for their application to be approved,” she said.

“While the new 457 visa will remain in place until the new Temporary Skill Shortage Visa  commences in March 2018, provisions of the new visa commence immediately. Person lodging a 457 visa application after April 19 will be subject to new arrangements including a significantly reduce occupations list...a reduced visa term of two years for occupations on the short term stream list.”