Labor puts forward changes for China FTA

Labor has proposed a suite of measures it wants the government to accept in return for supporting passage of the China free trade deal through parliament.

The measures cover investment, a pay increase for 457 visa workers and ensuring foreign licensed tradespeople have qualifications that meet Australian standards.

"What we say to the government is let's have the sort of constructive discussion, not the political discussion but a constructive discussion," Opposition Leader Bill Shorten told reporters in Canberra on Tuesday.

The amendments would introduce new safeguards into the 457 visa system.

Employers entering investment facilitation arrangement work agreements would be required to advertise jobs locally before turning to overseas workers.

Labor wants to increase the minimum base rate of pay for 457 visa workers from $53,000 to $57,000.

Foreign workers in trades such as electrical work and plumbing would need obtain the relevant occupational licence or registration within 60 days of arriving in Australia.

The safeguards would support local job opportunities, support Australian wages and conditions, maintain workplace skills and safety standards, and deter exploitation of overseas workers, Labor says.

Cabinet secretary Arthur Sinodinos said any amendments would have be to be consistent with the deal negotiated with Beijing and not discriminate against China.

"I think it's very important that we not make the Chinese feel as if this is specifically targeted at them," he told Sky News.

Trade Minister Andrew Robb had undertaken to consider what Labor was proposing and how it would operate in practice.

If Australia started making changes to the agreement, China would be well within its rights to do the same thing, Senator Sinodinos warned.