REFUGEES who arrive in Australia illegally might be working in Moyne Shire if a recommendation to be put to a council meeting on Tuesday is endorsed.
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The recommendation by the council’s corporate business manager Mitchell Rowe calls for the shire to express its willingness to take part in the federal government’s Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (SHEV) Program.
The recommendation to Moyne council comes after Warrnambool and Corangamite councils earlier showed preliminary interest in the SHEV program.
The SHEV program is aimed at encouraging recently arrived refugees, who have arrived illegally, to settle in rural and regional areas for work or study.
The SHEV program allows the refugees to stay in Australia for five years.
If they fulfil their visa conditions, they can apply to stay longer.
Moyne’s vote on taking part in the SHEV program follows efforts by the Municipal Association of Victoria to find councils willing to participate.
In his report to the council, Mr Rowe said participation in the SHEV program would link in with the council’s initiatives to “live work and invest” in the shire and increase employment opportunities.
Mr Rowe said the program could provide a willing labour force for the shire’s rural industries. He said the federal government supported the diversity created by multicultural community.
SHEV allows visa holders to have access to Medicare and social security benefits, job matching and short-term counselling for torture or trauma where required while they work or study.
Corangamite Shire chief executive officer Andrew Mason said last month the SHEV program could help stem population loss in the area.
“We have indicated we would be interested largely because we know some industry sectors are having trouble finding employees, so this could be a solution for them,” Mr Mason said.
Warrnambool City Council director of city growth Bill Millard said the city’s interest was subject to having a resettlement program that was adequately resourced.
“We would like to see English as a second language courses and vocational training packages to help fill skills shortages and the establishment of a migrant resource centre,” Mr Millard said.