FED: Union warns on danger of extending visa scheme to truckies

AAP General News (Australia)
04-28-2007
FED: Union warns on danger of extending visa scheme to truckies

The Transport Workers Union says Australia's roads will become more dangerous if the
federal government's skilled worker visa scheme is expanded to include truck drivers.

The controversial 457 visa scheme allows Australian businesses to import workers from
overseas temporarily if they cannot fill skilled vacancies locally.

While the scheme doesn't currently cover truck drivers .. TWU national secretary TONY
SHELDON says the federal government is being lobbied to extend the program to include
them.

Mr SHELDON says overseas drivers posed a risk because they are unfamiliar with Australian
conditions and willing to work for less money.

AAP RTV kd/imc/

KEYWORD: TRUCKS (SYDNEY)

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