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 513 Nick Xenophon Team voters.
59% Increase |
25% Decrease |
57% Increase |
14% Decrease |
2% Increase, our economy relies on businesses hiring the highest skilled workers at the lowest cost |
7% Decrease, and the government should provide more incentives to prepare our citizens for these jobs |
4% Decrease, companies are currently taking advantage of this program to decrease wages |
Trend of support over time for each answer from 513 Nick Xenophon Team voters.
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Trend of how important this issue is for 513 Nick Xenophon Team voters.
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Unique answers from Nick Xenophon Team 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.
@9VKWLW32mos2MO
Increase, but also increase government investment in training citizens for the jobs where domestic labour supply is insufficient.
@9SQ6SGW3mos3MO
Actively manage the number of temporary work visas issued according to whether or not there are genuine shortages.
@9PLHYF25mos5MO
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.
@9HH2J8X12mos12MO
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
@9QZJSXK4mos4MO
Education and training for citizens should be increased and skilled visas decreased as our own skills shortage is resolved. Imported labour is too susceptible to exploitation.
@9QYFJY74mos4MO
Increase, but there should be legislation to stop companies from taking advantage of this program to decrease wages
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