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Too Much Fear Around Migration?

It’s true, there are all too often stories about all the complications surrounding immigrating to Australia.

There are benchmarks, tests and skill criteria to meet and satisfy but hang on a moment….there are plenty of migrants out here who have come out on a lot of persistence.

Finding a good agent who will take the time to explain, assist and support you with your application is essential.

The red tape in the application process is of course to protect Australian society and assess if you can have a reasonable quality of life here….there is also a shortage of workers in certain professions, Australia will look after it’s own needs on the journey to building the nation…..with all that though, eliminate the migration fear and live your dreams.

Thursday, October 15th, 2009 immigration Australia No Comments

Migrants need to be paid market rates.

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, today announced details of the requirement for temporary skilled overseas workers to be paid market salary rates.

The payment of market rates will ensure subclass 457 visa holders are on the same wages and conditions of employment as those provided to an Australian worker undertaking equivalent work in the same workplace.

Where there is an equivalent Australian worker in the workplace, the market rate will be determined by the industrial arrangements that apply to this worker – for example, a collective agreement, award, award conditions with above award salary rates or a common law contract.

Where there is no equivalent worker onsite, the employer may reference collective agreements or awards for that position to substantiate the market rate. If there is no applicable agreement or award, other evidence such as remuneration surveys or earnings data must be provided.

‘The Rudd Government has made it clear that temporary skilled overseas workers should not be employed ahead of local workers because they are a cheaper option,’ Senator Evans said.

‘The subclass 457 visa scheme is a demand driven program designed to supplement – not replace – the local workforce when there are serious skills shortages.’

Under current arrangements, employers are obliged to pay workers on subclass 457 visas the minimum salary level of $45 220 or the award rate. This means overseas workers can be paid less than an Australian employee in the same workplace who may be paid at above award rates – which is the market rate.

‘For example, tradespeople working on mine sites or other industries where skills are in high demand are often paid well above award rates,’ Senator Evans said.

‘The payment of market salary rates will ensure that overseas workers are not used as a cheap form of labour or used to undercut Australian wages and conditions.’

Market salary rates will apply to all new subclass 457 visa holders from 14 September 2009 except where annual earnings of $180 000 or more are proposed.

Visas will not be granted to new subclass 457 visa applicants if the market salary rate for the position is below a temporary skilled migration income threshold of $45 220. The threshold will be indexed in line with ABS earnings data.

Under transitional arrangements, employers currently paying less than the market salary rate to existing subclass 457 visa holders employed in Australia will have until 1 January 2010 to commence paying market rates.
‘The implementation of market salary rates is part of a package of reforms to improve the integrity of the subclass 457 visa program,’ Senator Evans said.

‘These reforms will ensure local training and employment opportunities are not undermined and prevent the exploitation of foreign workers while enabling industry to access skilled overseas workers where there are skills shortages.’

Reforms to the subclass 457 visa program announced in April include:

increasing the English language requirements for subclass 457 visas in trade occupations and for chefs

introducing formal skills assessments for all trade occupations from countries that are not considered low-risk countries

a requirement that employers of subclass 457 visa holders attest to a strong record of, and commitment to, employing local labour and non-discriminatory employment practices

developing formal training benchmarks for sponsors
requiring labour agreements for employers of 457 visa holders in ASCO 5 – 7 occupations.

From 14 September 2009, new worker protection laws will strengthen the integrity of the temporary skilled working visa program, assist in improving workplace safety and ensure overseas workers are not exploited.

The new laws will enable specially trained officers with investigative powers to monitor workplaces and conduct site visits to determine whether employers are complying with the redefined sponsorship obligations.

Employers found in breach of the obligations in the migration regulations could be fined up to $33 000 and the department will retain the ability to cancel an employer’s approval as a sponsor or bar them from making further applications for overseas workers.

The new laws will also enable the Commissioner of Taxation to disclose tax information to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship in order to ensure correct salary levels are being paid to visa holders.

Saturday, September 12th, 2009 immigration Australia 2 Comments

What’s in the News?

Other than sports stars behaving badly, Politicians fighting over false emails and teenage girls bullying – We have a few thoughts on Australia and the role it hopes to play in the G20 – Check out The Australian :

www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,26052196-601,00.html

Saturday, September 12th, 2009 Australian News No Comments

Who Are Australians?

Australia is made up of 150 different nationalities…. 4 million (20%) of us were born overseas,

Top 10 birthplaces:

UK and Ireland

New Zealand

Italy

former Yugoslavia

Vietnam

Greece

Germany

China

Hong Kong

Netherlands.

IBISWorld expects are predicting Australia will become increasingly Eurasian as the 21st century progresses.

Friday, September 11th, 2009 immigration Australia No Comments

Australians are Still Gaining in Weight.

I’ve read recently in passing, that 1 in 4 Australian adults are currently classified as obese………..and by 2020 that number will have climbed to one in three.

These latest stats are frustrating. There are plenty of places to work-out here, great weather -especially in Queensland and a lot of parks with outside fitness classes.

Lets add to that, the ageing population and typically medical conditions associated with aging-cardiovascular disease, diabetes and osteoporosis.

Obesity is particularly high amongst middle-aged people and the recently retired…..the usually well members of the population and work force.

From a revenue point of view, this is good news for the medical professionals but heck what a burden for the public system…….

Tuesday, September 1st, 2009 Rant No Comments

Slowing Immigration Numbers.

After years of strong immigration, the weaker economy and rising unemployment, have led the Rudd Government to curb the country’s migration program.

Monday, August 17th, 2009 Immigration News No Comments

What’s hot at Queensland Health?

The latest in telehealth can be seen at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfI3iPk6t2o

Wednesday, August 5th, 2009 Australian healthcare No Comments

Stop Trains Horns Honking!

In Queensland, Trains honk their horns on a number of occasions: when they approach a level crossing or when they leave a station.
These horns can be very loud!
Passengers travelling in the front carriage can easily be annoyed by the noise. I noticed recently a passenger travelling in the front carriage and wearing earplugs.
I am sometimes wondering if train drivers have hearing issues as they get older. It would be interesting to get some statistics…

Now in busy train stations, such as Central Station in Brisbane, one may be waiting for a train on the platform, while previous trains are loading passagers and leaving for their destination.
When trains leave the station, they honk their horns and trust me it is a devastating experience for your ears!!!

Being extremely annoyed myself about these very agressive noises, I have contacted Queensland Rail and complained about it. Their response is that it is for safety: trains have to honk their horns before leaving the station.

While I can understand why giving a warning when approaching a level crossing is a safety procedure – even though I don’t agree that, in the 21st century, this is the best way to go. I haven’t been given any explaination as to why it is imperative to horn honk before leaving a station.

Also, I have been in quite a number of countries and it is the first time I encounter such a noisy practice – in the name of safety.

If you had a similar experience in Australia or another country, and if like me you are annoyed by it, please leave a comment below…

It is also possible to complain to Queensland Rail directly from here:
qr.com.au

Sunday, July 26th, 2009 Rant No Comments

Seeking Information about Australian Schools?

Check out this website if you are moving to, or have just arrived in Australia and need more information about Australian Schools -

http://www.australianschoolsindex.com.au/

Monday, July 20th, 2009 australian schools 1 Comment

More Job Losses & More Handouts.

The end of the finacial year has rolled in and over here in Australia. The Rudd Government has been heavily criticised over it’s budget -reckless spending being the number one gripe. The majority are shouting “There is a need to build a nation and boost the economy!”.

Thursday, July 16th, 2009 Politics No Comments

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