Skills obsession leaves hotels in the cold

Australia’s shortage of workers in lower-skilled positions is likely to continue unless the major political parties broaden their current focus on skilled immigration.

Australian Hotels Association CEO Des Crowe responded to today’s launch of the Coalition’s immigration policy by pointing out that businesses are facing shortages of labour as well as skills.

“There is no question that Australia has a shortage of qualified, experienced workers in a number of positions that are vital to the future of our economy. It is right that we seek to find these skills from overseas when they aren’t available here.

“But like many others, the hotel industry is equally constrained by a shortage of labour.

“The demand for labour is greater than what can be found by unemployed people returning to the workforce. As more Australians are trained for higher skilled jobs, pool of labour in lower skilled jobs will decrease even further. Australia’s immigration policies must acknowledge the economy’s need for lower skilled workers as well as those who are qualified and experienced.”

Mr Crowe said the AHA supports migrant workers being paid at the same rates as Australians, under the terms of industrial awards.

“The Fair Work Ombudsman can assist in maintaining the integrity of overseas worker programs by continuing to monitor employers of overseas workers.

Community groups also play an important role by providing overseas workers with access to support networks and pastoral care to assist their assimilation into Australian life.

“What hotels need is greater access to overseas workers for lower skilled jobs such as food and beverage attendants and cooks. The recent decision by the Government to include accommodation hotels in the Pacific Seasonal Worker Scheme is an example of the type of initiative our industry needs for a broader range of businesses and for longer than just peak periods.

“Failing to address the economy’s labour as well as skills needs will hinder Australia’s economic growth and our tourism and hospitality sector. The industry is anxious about how it will meet the growth forecasts identified by Tourism Australia without an adequate labour supply.”

Source: Australian Hotels Association, 27 August 2013