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Foreign workers are vital to rural communities, a south-west leader says.
Speaking out against the federal government’s scrapping of 457 visas, Corangamite Shire councillor Simon Illingworth said the decision would have big implications in the south-west where migrants fill job gaps, boost population and become an important part of their communities.
“The one-size-fits-all approach to this policy doesn't take into consideration that shires like Corangamite have very low levels of unemployment, an ageing and slow-growing population. Put simply, there aren't fit, young, unemployed locals lining up (for jobs),” he said.
Cr Illingworth said migrant workers were important to the region’s agricultural, hospitality and business industries.
“Their children attend schools here. They join sports clubs. These people add value to our businesses, our communities and our culture. What they get from us is given back,” he said.
“These migrants workers often have little English skills when they first arrive but quickly catch on. They are embraced and respected by locals. Their determination to succeed is often unparalleled.
“Australians have learned a lot from these people; decades of migrants have adjusted the way we look at things. Their infectious happiness is derived by the things we often take for granted, like knowing your kids will be educated, have shelter, a job and food. Strong work ethic is part of their culture. Having migrants here pushes us. It challenges us to alter the lense through which we gauge our lot in life. Many have escaped from civil war. It good for us to hear these stories.”
Cr Illingworth said farms and other businesses often had trouble attracting and retaining local staff.
“These workers happily do the jobs Australians won’t. They also bring a sense of pride in these jobs and an eye for detail,” he said.
“Even on a purely economic level, all businesses involved in the employment of overseas workers, including farming, desperately need consistent, predictable and dependable decision-making from government.
“The concern for rural and regional business people is the lack of consultation with this decision. The shock of this announcement is damaging in itself, and it’s fair to say that business confidence has already taken a hit. Many now feel they’ve been left in limbo.
“This announcement has already made it more difficult to attract migrant workers here in the future. Any potential worker would now be uneasy about committing to the long-term plans of bringing their family to work in Australia when they feel their plans could be thwarted at any time and without notice upon arrival in Australia.”