Yesterday I was doing talkback on the Immigration Ministers proposed changes to the employer-led temporary work visa system for skilled migrants.

In an attempt to stop the exploitation of migrant workers by paying low wages the Minister is thinking of setting a minimum wage for the migrants that’s in line with New Zealand’s median wage which is around $49,000. And for more highly skilled migrants a pay rate of 150 per cent of the median wage or $76,000.

While this is well meaning it raises a number of consequences. Employers are worried it prices the necessary labour out of their reach particularly in the hospitality and aged care sectors. And if it does come to pass there is the fear of price rises that will be passed on to the consumer. $30 takeaway curries anyone? A number of people have since emailed and said where is the corresponding pay rise for Kiwis to match the migrants.

But I was fascinated by one email which claims workplaces like minimum wage temporary visa migrants because they also don’t have to pay them Kiwisaver contributions saving the employer thousands and thousands of dollars.

We have created a rod for our back due to our addiction to cheap immigrant labour and my fear is that reducing it will cause withdrawal pains to rival any braking of an addiction.

It’s interesting that a proposed law to protect victims of insane offenders has been drawn and is set to go to Parliament.  The Bill, from National's Louise Upston, aims to ensure the victims of legally insane offenders "are treated the same as other victims of crime". If passed, it would rename the verdict of 'not guilty on account of insanity' to something that acknowledges that the offender committed a criminal act. Victims have whooped with joy that this change is coming and I support it too.

But I’m not sure if the Mental Health Foundation will be as welcoming because the argument is that poor Mental Health can not be used as an excuse for extreme behaviour. I look forward to hearing the debate.