Australians show support for temporary skilled migration

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Created on Tuesday, 05 June 2012 14:18

Written by Editorial staff

The majority of Australians are supportive of attracting temporary skilled migrants to fill labour shortages across the country, a new study has found.

The Lowy Institute found that 62 per cent of adults believe these workers have a positive impact - although 81 per cent were against foreign companies purchasing Australian farmland.

There was support shown towards the announcement that 2,500 American marines will be based in Darwin on a rotating basis, with many of them saying they would still be supportive if the number increased above this level.

Furthermore, 56 per cent believe the federal government is enabling too much Chinese investment.

Even in light of this, 70 per cent of respondents believe that demand for Australian resources is so strong because of a strong partnership with China, which in turn has helped the country avoid recession.

Just 41 per cent think this strength is owed to the effectiveness of government policies.

Executive director of the Lowy Institute Michael Wesley said that the survey sheds light on people's anxieties surrounding the global economy and how exposed Australia is to such problems.

"We're aware that much of the rest of the world looks at Australia as a land of comparative wealth, and we're apprehensive about the possible downsides of that," he commented.

The study was released as debate surrounding Gina Rinehart's Roy Hill iron ore project grows, as migration agents in Australia will know.

The project was awarded the first Enterprise Migration Agreement (EMA) by the government in a bid to fill skills shortages in the resources sector.

The agreement was established following consultations with state and territory governments, as well as unions and industry.

As a result of the EMA, Roy Hill will be able to provide up to 2,000 training positions to Australians, while those migrating from overseas are assisted in making sure they receive the same wages and conditions as their colleagues.

Minister for immigration and citizenship Chris Bowen revealed that there had been a real need to employ overseas workers.

"With more than 8,000 workers required during the construction phase of the Roy Hill project, there simply aren't enough people in the local workforce to get the job done," he commented.

Throughout the three-year construction phase, 1,715 workers will be brought in from overseas using the 457 visa program, which currently enables sponsorship for a maximum of four years.