Mine firms keen to know Labor govt's stance on migrant work visas
ABC News
Posted November 30, 2007 11:45:00
Mining businesses near north Queensland's Bowen Basin are eagerly awaiting the new federal government's stance on migrant work arrangements.
Rapid growth and a skills shortage in Mackay means more businesses are hiring migrants on 457 work visas.
But a local survey has found the process costs employers between $5,000 and $10,000 and under current laws that cannot be passed on if the worker is later poached by a rival company.
Alan Ruming from the Mackay Area Industry Network says pre-election indications were that a Rudd government would not be interested in using 457 work visas to curb skills shortages.
“We're certainly in a hurry now to find out where they stand,” he said.
Mr Ruming says even if Kevin Rudd is more focused on education solutions, 457 visas will still be essential in the short-term.
Tags: immigration, federal-government, work, mackay-4740
