The Australian Government should not sign any trade deal with China before it conducts a full inquiry into the current use of workers on short-term visas in the Australian workforce, Australia's Construction Forestry Mining Energy Union (CFMEU) said.

Commenting on reports that China was seeking greater access to the Australian workplace for guest workers, CFMEU national secretary John Sutton said widespread abuses were already occurring. Sutton accused the Government of allowing employers and labour supply companies to exploit foreign workers and undercut wage levels in Australia on building sites in Australia.

Sutton said he believes that 8,500 Chinese guest workers now in Australia are being paid at rates far below the Australian standard.

"The Chinese Government is pressuring Australia to accept more guest workers on temporary visas, so the Federal minister for immigration, Senator Amanda Vanstone should immediately investigate the pay rates of those working here now," Sutton said.

Sutton said that the terms of this inquiry should be determined before the Prime Minister visits China next week.

"This would ensure that Australians know where their government stands on the guest worker issue in the face of pressure from the Chinese Interests," Sutton said.