The Australian Hotels Association (WA) has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement that it is reforming the skilled migration programme and putting the focus on jobs for Australians.
AHA(WA) CEO Bradley Woods said abolishing the 457 visa and introducing a new Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa will continue to support businesses that are experiencing genuine skills shortages.
“The hospitality industry is one of the biggest users of 457 visas for chefs and experienced cooks and it’s important that industry has access to overseas workers to fill the gaps,” said Mr Woods.
“The new visa system appears to strike the balance between supporting young Australians who are looking for work and supporting businesses who can’t find enough skilled locals to fill positions. The new visas also remove the pathway to permanent residency for low skilled workers.”
The new Short-Term visa stream of up to two years and a Medium-Term stream of up to four years will support businesses in addressing genuine skill shortages.
“Cooks and chefs will remain on the occupations list used for skilled migration assessment, however with caveats, ensuring that they are working in skilled positions – for example not in fast food outlets,” said Mr Woods.
