The Federal Government has approved the first Enterprise Migration Agreement (EMA), granting permission to the new iron ore mining Roy Hill to seek skilled overseas labour.

 

Minister for Immigration Chris Bowen said the EMA would allow Roy Hill to sponsor up to 1,715 workers for the three-year construction phase through the 457 visa program, where they cannot find Australians to fill the positions.

 

"With more than 8,000 workers required during the construction phase of the Roy Hill project, there simply aren't enough people in the local workforce to get the job done,” Mr Bowen said.

 

Mr Bowen said the agreement would also allow for future employment of Australian locals.

 

"As part of the EMA, Roy Hill will provide up to 2,000 training places for Australians. This includes places for more than 200 Australian apprentices and trainees, as well as preparing over 100 Indigenous Australians to work in the construction industry," Mr Bowen said.

 

The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) slammed the decision, saying it panders to business interests while compromising on job security.

 

“Apart from the impact on local workers, the CFMEU is also very concerned that these workers owe their temporary visas to their employer, and are under constant threat of deportation if they stand up for their rights or complain about dangerous conditions,” CFMEU National Secretary Dave Noonan.