Leader of Opposition Mr.Tony Abbott addressing the ethnic media in Melbourne. PHOTO: Neeraj Nanda/SAT
By Neeraj Nanda
Melbourne: Opposition leader Mr. Tony Abbott today attacked the Government’s tightening of 457 visas and felt, in fact, 457 visas were strengthening Australia. He said the 457 visas were not an attack on skilled migration. On a question by SAT that 457 visas were being abused by some employers, Tony Abbott said there might be individual cases but the Government’s case against it was unacceptable.
On the question of fall in international student enrolments, Mr. Tony Abbott talking to SAT said, “Australia welcomes international students for education but not immigration”.
The Opposition leader was addressing a media conference specially organised for the ethnic media in the city. On a question by Mr. Ravi Raghupathy (Tamilsaru) about cuts in government spending at the federal and state levels, Tony Abbott said, the government in Canberra was spending more and earning less revenue. Australia should have a strong economy which is in the interest of the community, he said.
On a question about Australians not knowing foreign languages like Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, the Opposition leader felt it was good to engage with other cultures and languages.
In response to a question on subsidies to the car industry, Mr. Abbott said, “I want a car industry in Australia which should have a viable production system. They can be helped if they show boost in their export volume. We support a long term sustainable car industry.”
– SAT News Service
