Independent Education Union of Australia
MEDIA RELEASE
April 8, 2013
RIGHTS FOR ALL AUSTRALIAN WORKERS
Proper conditions for Australian and migrant workers should come first with regard to the allocation of 457 visas to skilled migrant workers.
In response to public debate regarding the suitability of the visa scheme, Independent Education Union of Australia federal secretary Chris Watt said current discourse needed to be infused with a reminder that appropriate conditions come first.
“To some participants and commentators, the debate is about the protection of local jobs in favor of Australians, however we consider it more important that whoever gets the job receives adequate training and is employed on a suitable contract with appropriate rates of pay and fair conditions.”
“Discussion regarding the dispensing of visas to skilled migrant workers should not encourage the xenophobic, anti-migrant, dog whistle approach we are currently seeing in public discourse.”
“Schools, like other industries, have been the beneficiaries of highly skilled, experienced and competent workers on visas for many, many years.”
Media Contact: Penny Bradley 0429 020 409 or pbradley@ieu.org.au