Unions had challenged the government’s decision, arguing the move allowed companies to hire foreign workers on cheaper wages than their Australian counterparts while also posing a threat to safety standards.
While workers on fixed offshore installations were still required to hold Australian visas, changes by the federal government allowed workers on some vessels to be exempt from this requirement.
The High Court unanimously ruled on Wednesday the immigration minister had exceeded his authority exercising his power to make the visa exemptions.
Immigration
