Skilled Migration Trend Positive for Australia Resources Industry

Posted: 8/11/2012 5:00:00 AM by Mining Oil and Gas Jobs
Filed under: Energy, Job-seekers, Mining, Oil-and-gas, Construction
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New research by Edith Cowan University (ECU) points to multiple benefits of using temporary skilled migration in the Australian resources industry. Despite concern about foreign workers taking jobs from Australians, the research shows the temporary visa holders benefit the current Australian workforce, employers and the nation.
 
The ECU study was partially funded by AMMA, the national resource industry employer group, in an effort to better understand the small but important role international skilled workers play in the long-term success of Australian resources projects. While Australia has many skilled workers, the report identified a reluctance for many of them to relocate to Western Australia where key mining and energy projects are currently underway. Common reason for this reluctance include:
•   A desire to stay close to family and friends
•   FIFO working arrangements were not suitable
•   Lack of accommodation with reasonable rental rates  [not applicable to the FIFO Pinoy if he goes home during roster-out as he'll be spending in peso.]
•   High cost of living in Western Australia                                                  "                                                                                                                                                           
The study, titled “457 visa workers in the Western Australian resources industry” http://www.amma.org.au/images/stories/papers/20121107ECU_Research_Report.pd  was led by Dr. Susan Bahn, an ECU academic and is the first investigative study into the costs and benefits of employing temporary skilled migrants in the resources sector.

“Participants indicated that they had encountered reluctance from Australian recruits about relocating to WA, with moving away from family and friends and a lack of social infrastructure among the main reasons,” explained Dr Bahn.

“The construction phase of the resource projects currently underway in WA relies on a steady supply of skilled and experienced labour from across the country. The representatives interviewed found a shortage of skilled workers in Australia which led them to source temporary workers on 457 visas to top up their labour force for short periods of time.

“Participants in this research recognised many benefits of integrating their local workforce with skilled temporary migrants, such as the transfer of international experience and unique knowledge and skills to the design and construction of Australian resource projects. This ensures Australia remains a world-leader in terms of innovation and technology.”
 
Skilled workers necessary but expensive
With skilled workers in the Eastern states unwilling to make the move to the west, employers have no choice but to look elsewhere. The report details the sometimes staggering costs of $7,000 and $65,000 per worker coming to Australia on a 457 visa. These costs are incurred by industry employers. In addition, skilled workers must be paid the same wages and benefits as any Australian worker.

The benefits to temporarily employing overseas workers include:
•   Projects are finished on time and within budget which attracts future investment
•   Overseas worker provide knowledge transfer of skills that accompany the design, construction, operation and maintenance of specialised machinery
•   Workers spend money and pay tax (with no special tax offsets afforded Australian citizens) which benefits the general economy
Minna Knight, AMMA executive director, industry lends perspective to the use of 457 visas in the Australian resources industry.

“Government figures show that of the 45,000 new jobs in Australian mining created in 2012, 98.7% were filled by Australian workers. However this industry study demonstrates that temporary migration schemes are still very important to Australia’s overall skills strategy.”

What this means for jobseekers
The Australian resources industry needs highly skilled, experienced workers to ensure projects currently under development are delivered on time and within budget. Due to a reluctance of Australians to move to Western Australia, a temporary, skilled migration program is necessary to fill this relatively low number of job openings. Skilled migrants transfer their knowledge to the local workforce while contributing to the economy through the money they spend and the income taxes they pay on the wages earned in Australia.

Would you consider moving to Western Australia?
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Yes, lovely Pinays back home!
Lady Luck's smiling on you. Sometime next year, our paths will cross. Can hardly wait.
Ain't that great? Hehe.
 
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