Mining industry questions some of the findings of the 457 visa program review (ABC Rural)

Quote:

The body that represents geologists and many engineers has questioned the transparency of the 457 skilled migration program. And the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) says it found the Immigration Department virtually impossible to deal with on the issue. The Institute was one of many industry bodies that put submissions into a review, the 'Integrity Review of 457 Visa Program'. The review, which was instigated by the Assistant Immigration Minister Michaelia Cash, was released by Immigration Minister Scott Morrison this week. AusIMM CEO Michael Catchpole says it's obvious the job market has changed radically in the last few years, but that's not reflected in the list of jobs that can still be applied for under a 457. "We have unemployment amongst geoscientists of 15 per cent and above nationally. "And for mining engineers, and metallurgical and chemical engineers, it's closing in on 10 per cent. "I don't think it can be realistically argued that those occupations should be left on a 457 visa occupation list." Holders of 457 skilled worker visas make up less than 3 per cent of a mining workforce, estimated at around 250,000 people. They are considered to be key personnel with skill sets not readily available in Australia. The program has been operating since 1996, but has been politically charged in recent times. Unions have campaigned against it and the former ALP federal government instigated a reform called 'labour market testing'. One of the 22 recommendations made in the review is for labour market testing to be abolished. That has universal support from industry, but Mr Morrison has already made it clear he is unlikely to pursue that, as he doesn't think the measure would clear the Senate. Minerals Council says specialist engineers still needed The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) argues there's still a need for engineers to remain on the list of professions for 457 visa applicants. And it questions the number of unemployed engineers and geologists as claimed by AusIMM. Director of training and education at the MCA, Dr Gavin Lind, says the lists take into account the medium-term requirement, not short-term fluctuations in the jobless rate. "That looks at the medium term, and we simply don't know enough about what we will happen in five years' time, so we cannot remove them from the list. "It's very hard to bring it back on to the list and it's an option to bring in skilled engineers as needed. "And it's not all engineers or geoscientists out of work. The AusIMM released a report with those figures and remember they apply to their members."

Yeah, but this is just 'another disgruntled union' whining about not being given a fair chance at a job, a living and a viable future while all the work and the incomes, revenue, tax, and profits are going offshore, while zero solid infratructure is being put in place to even begin to offer them a fair go.

I mean - it IS a world economy now, and we all just have to bite poo in it.. OK?

I mean - surely an engineer on $25k annually can pay off all his HECS and live well!

(*removes tongue from cheek)...

Quote:

The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) argues there's still a need for engineers to remain on the list of professions for 457 visa applicants. And it questions the number of unemployed engineers and geologists as claimed by AusIMM. Director of training and education at the MCA, Dr Gavin Lind, says the lists take into account the medium-term requirement, not short-term fluctuations in the jobless rate. "That looks at the medium term, and we simply don't know enough about what we will happen in five years' time, so we cannot remove them from the list.

So we need to keep these occupations on the list due to speculation on what might happen five years hence? I call bullshit.


Quote:

"It's very hard to bring it back on to the list...

More bullshit. The list has numerous occupations where a current shortage isn't demonstrated.

We should take all occupations off the list where unemployment in those fields is currently greater than the national average. We can re-add them later if needed. If the process for adding them takes too long then fix it. But it is simply crazy to keep occupations on the list where unemployment in those fields is already in double digits without even considering fixing the system as an option.

I say simply abolish 457s.. or suspend them for a term, employ local talent, and then see if there are any gaps.

Like men in 'academia' under the feminist sky - did Australians Highly Qualified Mk1 suddenly become stupid?

Bam wrote on Sep 13^th, 2014 at 11:24am:

says it found the Immigration Department virtually impossible to deal with

on that i agree wholeheartedly ...the immigration department has to be one of the worst depts to deal with ... a bunch of useless idiots who hide behind their own rules

i'd rather try call call telsa's customer service number

Grappler Deep State Feller wrote on Sep 13^th, 2014 at 2:06pm:

I say simply abolish 457s.. or suspend them for a term, employ local talent, and then see if there are any gaps. Like men in 'academia' under the feminist sky - did Australians Highly Qualified Mk1 suddenly become stupid?

+1

+1

Grappler Deep State Feller wrote on Sep 13^th, 2014 at 2:06pm:

I say simply abolish 457s..

Agreed

Grappler Deep State Feller wrote on Sep 13^th, 2014 at 2:06pm:

I say simply abolish 457s.. or suspend them for a term, employ local talent, and then see if there are any gaps. Like men in 'academia' under the feminist sky - did Australians Highly Qualified Mk1 suddenly become stupid?

A better solution is to allow 457's but require they are paid at a higher rate the Australian workers. If there really is a shortage, then will pay the higher cost, if not, they will employ the now cheaper Australians.

Kytro wrote on Sep 13^th, 2014 at 10:25pm:

Grappler Deep State Feller wrote on Sep 13th, 2014 at 2:06pm: I say simply abolish 457s.. or suspend them for a term, employ local talent, and then see if there are any gaps. Like men in 'academia' under the feminist sky - did Australians Highly Qualified Mk1 suddenly become stupid? A better solution is to allow 457's but require they are paid at a higher rate the Australian workers. If there really is a shortage, then will pay the higher cost, if not, they will employ the now cheaper Australians.

Good idea.

Blasphemer - a crimeless victim

With unemployment and financial misery increasing under the Abbott regime all 457 visas should be cancelled.