Prime minister tells backpackers and students to ‘come on down’ as critical workforce shortages bite
Scott Morrison has announced financial incentives to lure international workers to Australia as he continues to defend his government’s handling of the pandemic in the face of the Omicron surge.
“I think they’re unwise views, I think they are dangerous views, I don’t think parents should be listened to them, that is the medical advice I have from the chief medical officer and is consistent with the advice you get anywhere in the world,” he said. “The test is not a cure, the vaccine is what protects, and that’s why we have channelled our effort into those vaccines, and that’s why one of the other areas we are working in with the workforce is targeting pop-up booster programs in a social work forces.
Under the details of the visa rebate program, the $630 fee for international students will be covered for the next eight weeks, and for backpackers for 12 weeks. “At the same time, join our workforce and help us in our agricultural sector, in our hospitality sector, and so many of the other parts of the economy that rely on that labour.”He said international students could be willing to fill some of the critical workforce shortages being faced as a result of the Omicron surge, “particularly those who are working and being trained in healthcare, aged care, those types of sectors, that will be incredibly helpful.
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