The Bill applies to both Subclass 494 and the Subclass 491 visa holders – the new visas to be introduced in November this year.

The amendments in this Bill give effect to the policy intent that holders of these provisional skilled regional visas have the same access to welfare payments and government services as permanent visa holders. This recognises that the visas provide a pathway to permanent residence. These arrangements also ensure that provisional skilled regional visa holders are not disadvantaged compared to holders of permanent skilled visas available for people to work in metropolitan areas. The Bill was read for the second time today.