Should the government change the laws for foreign guest workers? There has been a lot of talk about foreign guest workers in Australia, where foreigners from Pacific nations such as Tonga, PNG, Fiji etc are allowed to work in Australia for a set period, then return to their home countries, after 3-6 months.

 

There is a huge labour shortage in Australia, especially in jobs that Australians just do not want to do. This mainly comes in the areas of farming and agriculture, such as picking, pruning etc. These are not jobs that foreigners will be taking away from Australians. The main reason why Australians don’t want to work in these areas is not because they are lazy, but because the working conditions are often sub-standard. These often include the lack of toilet facilities, lunch rooms and generally the harsh conditions under the sun. Also the low rates of pay often associated with these industries makes it less attractive, especially when booming mining industries have offered rates of pay from $75,000 to $120,000 per annum for machine operators.

 

This all too often leaves the fruit and vegetables rotting on the vines or in the ground, reducing the productivity of farms. It is times perhaps the government had another look at the system and model itself on tried and tested programs such as those in Canada (which have been running for 20 years or so) and New Zealand.

The benefits of allowing guest workers into Australia also go back to guest workers home countries. This includes tangible things such as increased standard of living, much needed foreign currency and increased spending power in the local community but also less tangible things such as increased confidence and new skills and attitudes picked up from Australia. At a time when developing countries are not just looking for aid, but real assistance, it really makes economic and practical sense.