Immigration Minister Brendan O'Connor accused businesses of using the 457 visa program as their first option to fill jobs, saying the IT sector has received the most 457 visas and wages have been affected as a result.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard last week said she was concerned the program was being abused by employers in many sectors and that Australian workers were missing out on jobs.

Brendan O'Connor. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Mr O'Connor said the government supports 457 visas to address short-term skills shortages.

"What we don't accept is that you allow this scheme to undermine employment conditions or allow it to become the first option for employers," he told ABC Television on Sunday.