It makes perfect sense that the 457 Visas would peak in 2012...

It makes perfect sense that the 457 Visas would peak in 2012 when the mining boom was going.

As more workers left their normal work chasing the big money in the mining boom a backfill of workers would be needed to fill the void. Now that the mining boom is over and a range of manufacturing industries has shut down (eg car manufacturing) Australia has higher unemployment and so we need less 457 Visa holders.

I think all governments should be flexible on what workers they allow into this country and how many (just like the LNP have just done). It all makes perfect sense to me!