AUSTRALIAN IMMIGRATION NEWS

Western Australia seeks skilled meat workers

Thursday, 17 May 2007

Kevin Andrews, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, and Margaret Quirk, West Australian Minister for Small Business, have finalised a three-year labour agreement for the temporary entry of skilled meatworkers to Western Australia.

Western Australia's current unemployment rate of 2.7% makes up over half of the national unemployment rate of 4.4%, resulting in a significant temporary shortage of skilled workers in Western Australia, particularly within the fast developing meat industry.

The agreement, which allows employers to hire skilled foreign workers temporarily, is very popular with businesses and the government to address critical skills shortages in Australia.

Under the agreement, sponsoring employers will be expected to provide workers with a minimum salary of $41 850 (the standard minimum salary level) or the relevant industrial instrument, whichever is higher.

They will also be committed to training Australian workers which will help to guarantee a future workforce for the industry.

Similarly, applicants seeking employment in Australia under the new agreement will be subject to strict skills assessment requirements to ensure the legitimacy of their contribution to the industry.

The agreement follows the Australian Government's commitment of $85.3 million over the next four years to maintain the integrity of Australia’s temporary skilled migration programme.

The Australian Government is also introducing fast-tracking of applications for those employers who have a strong and demonstrated record of complying with the programme and will apply severe penalties for employers found to be in breach of the sponsorship conditions.

The agreement will provide West Australian meat companies with a quick fix solution for the skilled meat workers shortage as well as ensure the security for the jobs of Australian workers.