CFMEU urges discrimination reform to protect Australian workers

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Created on Monday, 07 January 2013 17:43

Written by Editorial staff

A construction union is pushing for laws that would stipulate building companies have the express right to choose permanent residents over temporary foreign workers in Australia when they recruit.

The Gillard government is looking to consolidate its discrimination laws into a single act while The Australian reports that the Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) is calling for the legislation to recognise the legitimacy of prioritising Australians when it comes to hiring and firing.

This practice has been considered in breach of some state anti-discrimination laws in the past.

The union made it clear, through a submission to the government, that it is looking to protect local workers.

The submission read: "Our view is that commonwealth and state anti-discrimination laws should explicitly provide that discrimination by employers in favour of Australian citizens and permanent residents not be prohibited by the consolidation legislation."

This concern over foreign workers is the latest in a number of high-profile cases - including Gina Rinehart's plan to import 1,700 workers for her Roy Hill iron ore project.

One of the biggest initiatives of its type, the development will bring over the employees under the government's Enterprise Migration Agreement scheme, whereby a group can come to Australia to work instead of applying for individual immigration visas.

But the union's sentiments have created some backlash, with the Australian Mines and Metals Association's Scott Barklamb decrying their objective.

He told News Limited: "The Australian mining industry needs a diverse range of employee skills and experience to be internationally competitive. Migrant workers play a small but important role in securing future projects and the widespread employment, social and economic opportunities these create for all Australians."

Mr Barklamb added that the industry as a whole does not share a belief in the assertions made by the CFMEU.

Despite what is being said about migration by the union, its own website does promote the equality of employment.

"The union reaffirms our historical stance against all forms of racism and sectarianism."

But it argues that there is a difference between racism and ensuring that Australia's permanent residents and citizens should be considered for a position first.

These proposed reforms would deem it discriminatory to make employment decisions based on "nationality or citizenship", which falls under the category of "protected attributes".

The federal service is a different story as the Public Service Act provides cover for permanent residents and citizens to be given preferential treatment when it comes to recruiting.