Debate Rages On as Australia Opt to Trial Pacific Guest Worker Scheme

Chris Evans, Australia's Minister for Immigration and Citizenship has said that he would like to initiate a trial guest worker scheme with migrants from the South Pacific.

It seems following previous departmental decisions to not run with the scheme; the Australian government has been forced yet again to consider a temporary workers scheme involving the Pacific Islands.

For a number of years the Pacific Islands have urged Australia to open up its labour market to help their economies through remittances. Such a program as the guest worker scheme could enable unskilled workers to enter the country on short term visas with the sole purpose of occupying the many jobs which Australians are unwilling or unable to fill.

The weakest areas of the job sectors such as farming and agriculture are the ones which are likely to see the benefits from the recruitment of Pacific Island workers. With jobs such as fruit picking in particular crying out to be filled. Under the scheme people would be able to come to the country and be employed in such seasonal jobs for an allocated period of time.

Speaking in support of the trial, Chris Evans said "immigration policies need an overhaul if the country is to address the current labour shortage…one way to address the problem could be the guest worker scheme."

Evans believes that a initative could have a double benefit for the country and the economy and in particular the economies of the South Pacific Islands.

In contrast Helen Hughes a journalist at Island Business believes the guest worker scheme is not a great idea. She says "It is estimated that the additional costs of air fares, health and security procedures, the insurance necessary to protect the workers and administrative costs could double the wage rates currently paid to seasonal workers."

She fears that such rising costs are unlikely to be met by employers therefore resulting in the Australian taxpayers footing the bill.

Another concern is the number of placements available. Although Australia is experiencing a skills shortage, there appears to be only a maximum 38,000 seasonal jobs which would become available annually for Pacific Islanders. Many argue that these positions should instead be filled by some of the many Australian citizens whom are currently experiencing long-term employment and are subsequently claiming welfare from the state.

The logistics of the jobs aside, it seems that the World Bank is one of the biggest advocates for the introduction of the scheme in Australia; viewing it as a potential method for providing increased Australian aid to the Pacific Islands.

The scheme is one which is leaving many Australians with a split opinion. Erin Ryan an Australian Immigration Worker at Global Visas believes that "There is a need for Australia to bring in temporary unskilled workers from the Pacific Islands particularly in order to fill seasonal jobs, however I think it will be a long time yet until a majority ruling implements a suitable scheme which is agreed by all to do so."

19/05/2008 by Ajay Hasija