Senate inquiry into overseas workers

Australia's employment of overseas workers will be investigated by a parliamentary inquiry.

The Australian Greens won support for the Senate inquiry into temporary work visas, which will look into local and migrant worker wages, conditions and entitlements.

It will also analyse the impact of temporary workers, including those holding 457 visas, on the domestic labour market.

The Greens are concerned the government's programs could exploit both Australian and overseas workers.

"With rising unemployment and a mining investment boom coming off the boil, now is the time to ask whether the current working visa system strikes the right balance," Greens deputy leader Adam Bandt said.

The government says the inquiry is purely political.