QRC chief releases statement on 457 visas

QUEENSLAND Resources Council chief executive Ian Macfarlane has released a statement on the abolishment of 457 visas in relation to the mining and resources industries in Australia.

"The natural resources sector is no longer a significant employer of 457 visa holders, with further recent decreases since the mining construction boom days," Mr Macfarlane said.

"Those that are employed possess highly specialised skills and experience, particularly, university degrees. The QRC welcomes Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull saying we’ll only take the best and brightest from overseas.

"The total number of 457 visas given to workers in the mining industry in 2015/16 was a quarter of that of industries with health services and a fraction of the hospitality industry.

"Last financial year, 457 visa holders in the Queensland mining industry decreased by 26.5 percent. Hospitality, health care, education, construction, manufacturing, IT and professional services are the big users of 457 visas.

"QRC is working with the resources industry to build the numbers of young people taking up a resources career.

"The QRC’s own Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) builds educational capacity and skills in local regions by facilitating a range of both professional and vocational STEM experiences for students and their teachers from years 7 to 12.

"Growing the skills base in communities is a great investment for the company and the locals and is a valuable part of resource companies’ social and economic responsibilities in the areas where they operate."

www.qrc.org.au

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