Visas versus local tradies

GEELONG tradies are being overlooked for local projects in favour of foreign workers granted visas on the basis of a skills shortage, insiders claim.

Been going on for the last 15 years and gradually got worse. Most now need translators at the safety inductions, but as long as they join the union it’s OK. RIP local plasterers. Alan Eaton

Been going on for years and will continue to go on until someone at government level starts asking questions about the credentials of the socalled tradespeople. Dave Mahon

They would do rubbish work also. Nick Bowers

That’s why we need unions. Pamela Pearson

Hardly surprising. Craig Burgess

Yep, true story, and happening everywhere. Shouldn’t be allowed. Angela Blair

Just look at the shambles they’ve created in the transport industry. Warren Moore

Yep, it’s a disgrace, but transport companies are now going back to local drivers only after money being lost in damage. Julie Taylor

Budget before loyalty — that’s how accountants keep their high salaries, bonuses, cars, and promotions. Just need cheap labour, nothing else is relevant. Sharon Mulder

They bring overseas workers in so they can underpay them. Beware if you are building, they don’t have the skills the locals have. Daryl Blair

I always use local guys, always. Julie Taylor

Migrants and visa-holders getting most public service jobs. Deborah Brentwood

Conservative governments have made university expensive, demonised teachers, slashed education funding, closed TAFE courses and campuses. Business councils and industry organisations have supported these measures and these governments, and today they complain about a skills shortage and so offer jobs to overseas visa-holders. Sue Mandley