Canberra to crackdown on work visas

FOREIGN workers at Ipswich’s largest employer could have their employment visas cancelled to ensure local staff keep their jobs, an Ipswich MP has warned.

Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said Canberra was prepared to crackdown on the use of temporary visas at the Swift Australia meat plant at Dinmore.

In recent months, dozens of workers at the plant have contacted The Queensland Times to protest at the use of overseas workers over local job seekers.

They claim Australian workers have lost pay during “stand-downs” caused by a lack of work – while overseas workers on 457 visas continue to be paid regardless of whether there is work available.

Mr Neumann spoke out after holding talks with Immigration Minister Chris Evans.

“Right now there are 50 workers on 457 visas that will expire in 12 months time at Dinmore,” Mr Neumann said.

“If anyone starts cutting back on the shifts and work hours of Australian workers, they couldn’t expect the Australian Government to approve any extensions to foreign worker visas.

“We have to make sure Australian jobs are protected as much as possible.”

One local worker, who asked not to be identified, said there was growing resentment over the use of 457 visas at Swift.

“Under their contracts, foreign workers on these visas will get paid regardless if there is a stand-down, so it’s the other workers that miss out on the pay,” he said.

“We’ve also been hearing a lot of rumours that for the workers coming to the end of their 457 visas, the company is going to apply to have those visas extended.

“There are a lot of Australian workers who are ready and willing to do the job, and they should be given priority over foreign visa workers.”

Mr Neumann said he had received numerous calls and letters from Swift’s workforce, which numbers about 2000, about the situation.

Earlier this year Swift Australia director John Berry said the company would seek to reduce its reliance on visa workers and in July more than 60 Chinese workers were laid off.

Despite repeated requests, no one from Swift Australia was available for comment.