Should Australia increase or decrease the amount of temporary work visas given to high-skilled immigrant workers?
Skilled temporary work visas are usually given to foreign scientists, engineers, programmers, architects, executives, and other positions or fields where demand outpaces supply. Most businesses argue that hiring skilled foreign workers allows them to competitively fill positions which are in high demand. In 2016 the Migration Council announced a proposal where students trained at US and UK universities and colleges could apply for work visas in Australia. The students are allowed to stay up to four years on temporary visas and then apply for permanent citizenship. The Migration Council estimates this will add 1.6 trillion to the country’s gross domestic product through 2050. Opponents argue that skilled immigrants decrease middle class wages and job tenure.
Statistics are shown for this demographic
Response rates from 856 Queensland voters.
44% Increase |
38% Decrease |
42% Increase |
29% Decrease |
2% Increase, our economy relies on businesses hiring the highest skilled workers at the lowest cost |
6% Decrease, and the government should provide more incentives to prepare our citizens for these jobs |
3% Decrease, companies are currently taking advantage of this program to decrease wages |
Trend of support over time for each answer from 856 Queensland voters.
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Trend of how important this issue is for 856 Queensland voters.
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Unique answers from Queensland voters whose views went beyond the provided options.
@4SV8NC64yrs4Y
Increase. Do know how many darkies you can house in a 20 ft x 20 foot tin shed? A bloody lot! And you can charge them more than their wages for board. This also helps keep wages low.
@B2WGS2X3wks3W
Neither, but the government should implement more regulations on businesses to prevent exploitation of the program. The government should also increase incentives for the hiring and training of Australian workers.
@B2CRN7Q2mos2MO
Decrease, the system is being totally abused. Require fluent English, recognised trades and experience from G7 countries only
@9VKWLW35mos5MO
Increase, but also increase government investment in training citizens for the jobs where domestic labour supply is insufficient.
@9SQ6SGW6mos6MO
Actively manage the number of temporary work visas issued according to whether or not there are genuine shortages.
@9PLHYF29mos9MO
Increase as long as qualification and education standards are l, at minimum, to what is provided here and that they have the same values as Australians.
@9HH2J8X1yr1Y
Alter but maintain the same numbers. Many work visas are not for critical areas or in occupations with shortages.
@9G3HCKJ1yr1Y
Neither increase nor decrease, however companies should aim to train/hire skilled workers who are already in the country
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