Wiggle room for tech sector on 457 visas

Industry Minister Arthur Sinodinos has opened up some wiggle room for the tech sector following the federal government's decision to scrap the 457 visa program.

The government will replace the existing regime with two new foreign worker visas and a list of 650 occupations that now qualify for a temporary visa will be cut by 200.

Some tech firms have raised concerns about how they will fill skill shortages.

"What I'm saying to the tech sector is that we don't want any unintended consequences," Senator Sinodinos told ABC radio on Thursday night.

He flagged there will be talks with industry representatives to ensure "we're not throwing the baby out with the bathwater".

"Smart governments always look to adjust to make sure that the policy initiatives ... are avoiding unintended consequences," Senator Sinodinos said.