AREEA has reaffirmed the small, but important role temporary skilled migration plays in securing resource projects in Australia following the CFMEU’s call for the government to immediately abandon the EMA program.
On 25 October, CFMEU national construction secretary Dave Noonan told a Senate Committee hearing into the Protecting Local Jobs (Regulating Migration Agreements) Bill 2012 that EMAs should be scrapped for the construction phase of major resource projects.
“Given the downturn in retail and commercial construction however, we are now calling for an immediate pause to EMAs for the construction phase of major resource projects,” Mr Noonan said.
AREEA responded to the comments in public statement which outlined that such a move would jeopardise thousands of future employment opportunities for Australians.
“The existing parameters of the EMA program already ensure the vast majority of job opportunities go to Australians and skilled migrants are only used for temporary positions to get projects built on time and on budget,” AREEA director, industry Minna Knight said.
“The answer to this skills challenge is not simple. Demand is stronger than ever for skilled tradespeople and professionals who are essential to getting these projects up and running.
“Despite much commentary about a small number of project deferrals, Australia still has in excess of $500 billion worth of resources projects either committed or awaiting approval. The biggest challenge for the resource industry is to ensure we have the arms and legs required to build and operate projects that have an unprecedented demand for skilled workers.
Ms Knight said that more than 95% of resource and related construction roles are held by Australian workers. ABS labour force figures show an additional 53,000 more Australian workers are employed in resources jobs than this time last year.
“The Greens’ Bill misses the point of the EMA program and will only add unnecessary regulation on employers. It’s important that industry stakeholders consider the broader implications of this Bill before backing it,” she said.
“This debate around temporary migration comes as industry commits more funding and resources to initiatives dedicated to getting Australian people involved in resources employment. Take for instance the AREEA Skills Connect project, launched at the AREEA West Coast Conference.
“AREEA Skills Connect sees the resource industry partner with leading industry bodies, training institutions and direct employers across the various construction disciplines to create a single point of access into resources-related construction roles for Australian workers and apprentices.
“This is just one of many examples of workforce development initiatives that ensure Australians are receiving the benefits of this great resources opportunity. But we need to embrace the role temporary migrant workers have in delivering this opportunity, not ostracise them with divisive comments.”
AREEA’s submission to the Senate Committee Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Legislation on the Protecting Local Jobs (Regulating Enterprise Migration Agreements) Bill 2012 can be viewed here.
