Migrant policy a ‘thought bubble’

INDUSTRY leaders say the Far North could benefit from a policy that would send more migrants to regional areas.

Enterprise North executive manager and former Cairns mayor Kevin Byrne said they supported the initiative to incentivise migrant population growth in the region, but needed more detail from Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

“At the moment it’s a thought bubble; the government needs to come up with clear policy definitions,” he said. “I would like to see it being made easier for potential employers to access a visa scheme that enables businesses to grow and develop.

“The previous 457 visa scheme for regional employees worked reasonably well and was reasonably efficient.”

“It has been replaced by the 482 temporary skill shortage visa as a result of populist pressure that took no regard of regional issues and has gone unnoticed.”

FNQ Growers president Joe Moro said an influx of migrant workers could ease pressure on the Far North agriculture industry.

“Tying it into an agricultural visa program could improve labour issues in regional areas,” he said.

“It could also take pressure off seasonal workers, and while I’m not saying backpackers aren’t welcome, I think people would prefer to have workers who could stay for longer and become part of the community.”

Centacare Executive Director Anita Vievers said Cairns had the support services available to extra migrants.

“We have a multicultural community in Cairns; it’s already diverse and functioning really well,” she said.

“If we’re going to have more migration into regional centres, practical supports that help link up employees with employers are going to be important.”