MPs Defend China Deal

Member for Flynn Ken O’Dowd has emphasised the Free Trade Agreement with China will not hurt local jobs.

He described claims to the contrary as “utterly false … union propaganda”.

Previously, Mr O’Dowd has described union criticism of the FTA as “xenophobic”, a description echoed by Trade Minister Andrew Robb (see below).

The CFMEU has claimed that the FTA will allow Chinese companies to circumvent current regulations by employing their own workers on Australia-based projects at a reduced pay rate.

“These allegations are utterly false and nothing more than union propaganda, with the only purpose being to create paranoia amongst decent, hardworking people who have no need to be worried,” Mr O’Dowd said.

“Our government has implemented a program separate to the FTA that will give up to 5000 young Chinese people with tertiary education the opportunity to experience a working holiday in our country.”

Mr O’Dowd said the Work and Holiday Arrangement program was intended to build closer cultural ties between Australia and China.

He said visa holders were not sponsored by any employer and could work wherever they chose during their year-long stay so long as they don’t work for more than six months with any one employer.

When working, all visa holders must be engaged in accordance with Australian workplace law, including awards and workplace health and safety, he said.

Mr O’Dowd said the program would benefit rural areas by supporting the development of tourism services.

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Trade Minister Andrew Robb has accused another union, the ETU, of mounting a “xenophobic scare campaign” against the China FTA.

The ETU has been circulating copies of a letter from Mr Robb to Chinese Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng which says the mandatory skills assessment for 10 occupations would be removed: Automotive Electrician, Cabinetmaker, Carpenter, Carpenter and Joiner, Diesel Motor Mechanic, Electrician (General), Electrician (Special Class), Joiner, Motor Mechanic (General) and Motorcycle Mechanic.

ETU National Secretary Allen Hicks told the ABC the Federal Government’s decision to remove the mandatory skills assessment requirement for Chinese workers in these 10 occupations was an “absolute disgrace”.

“It’s going to create significant workplace dangers, not only just for electricians, but all those people who use electricity,” he said.

“China has a woeful workplace health and safety record. They have over 70,000 workplace deaths a year, so we are genuinely concerned.”

But Minister Robb  said workers would still have to show evidence of their skills and training before being granted a visa.

“Applicants will still be required to demonstrate to the Immigration Department that they possess the requisite skills and experience to work in this country,” he said.

“This includes evidence of qualifications, memberships of relevant bodies or associations, references, CVs, documents showing English language skills and so on.”

• Related article: MP Attacks Union’s ‘Xenophobic Campaign’