(Photo: ETU)
July 28, 2015
The Federal Government has posted a “Myths v Realities” website page about the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement in a bid to counter allegations and rumours about the recent deal.
The page has been set up to counter union allegations about employment and safety issues, many of which have already been labelled “xenophobic” by several Federal MPs.
The Federal Government says the FTA will not allow unrestricted access to the Australian labour market by Chinese workers and will not allow Australian employment laws or conditions to be undermined.
However, under a separate memorandum of understanding, concluded alongside the FTA, Chinese companies making significant investments in Australia (more than $150 million in specific types of infrastructure development projects) will have increased access to skilled overseas workers when suitable local workers cannot be found.
The Federal Government also says Chinese electricians will not be allowed to work in Australia without skills assessment.
“All Chinese applicants for a subclass 457 temporary work (skilled) visa, including electricians, will still need to have the requisite skills, qualifications and work experience to work safely in Australia, as well as meeting all the other regular visa requirements, before a 457 temporary work visa is granted,” the website says.
“The commitment undertaken in the ChAFTA side letter on skills assessments simply brings China into line with visa applicants from most other countries around the world with regard to application and skills’ assessment processes.
“For example, an additional skills’ assessment from a registered training organisation approved by Trades Recognition Australia will be conducted if further verification is required by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.”
- Download the Memorandum of Understanding (36kb PDF)
- External link: China-Australia FTA (ChAFTA): Myths versus Realities
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