Trade and Investment Minister Andrew Robb must break his silence on the removal of mandatory skills assessment for trades workers employed as temporary migrants under the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement.
The fine print of the agreement which the Abbott Government kept secret for seven months shows that existing skills assessment requirements under Australias migration system have been removed for ten occupations, including electricians.
Mr Robb must answer questions about the inclusion of this provision in the agreement.
Why was the removal of skills testing for these occupations not previously disclosed to the Australian public?
Has the provision been based on advice from Australian occupational and trades skills regulators?
Have State Governments been consulted and how will the provisions impact on occupational licensing regulations?
What safeguards have been put in place to maintain safety standards in Australian workplaces?
Mr Robb has a responsibility to explain the trade deal he negotiated and fully respond to questions about its impact.