I agree with your argument to a point, infact I have chosen to take my skills "offshore" and am enjoying economic rewards that my fellow "drivers" back home can dream of but will never experience, thats my choice. However at what point do we draw the line on this issue? How far do we take this, do we become a copy of Dubia where labour is imported to work at "third world" rates and cut the grass from under hard working Australians feet. Dunno, the question is one of philosophy. Personally I believe that most things undertaken in balance have the best result.

Not too sure about painters wages (plumbers tho aren't cheap!) But a few years ago now when I was in the oil industry refueling planes I was at the time earning roughly double what the Regional pilots where getting. I believe pilots in general are one of the lowest paid professions considering what we do risk wise although in some ways it's like being a motor mechanic, it's not really a profession you don't need a license to fix yr own car (unlike electricians & plumbers for Eg) much the same as a pilot. Sure you need a license as such but not a formal education other than basic maths & english, say form 4 or yr 10 (accept for maybe the 'rat', they want rocket scientists!).Flying I believe is only respected ( & that's fast disappearing) by the travelling public who know zip about the industry, they believe we are all RICH!:bored:
How many times have you heard, the statement after you tell someone that you fly small planes for a living.........Oh do you want to be a commercial pilot too some day!:bored:

Slight thread drift, plz don't beat me:E

CW

interesting viewing...................

So true.:D

Jetstar to issue 457 visas
 

I have it on good authority that Jetstar are about to take a whole bunch of South Africans on 457 visas...

They are slowing down recruiting (787 delay) and have all but stopped taking AUSSIES, but are going to give OUR JOBS to non-residents...

There is, apparently 30+ ready to start who are airbus endorsed..

Let me say this..........This is a farken disgrace....

How can these people do this and how can the Unions (aipa/afap) let this happen...

I urge all pilots in this country, start making some serious noise now, maybe it's not too late....

There are still too many guys wanting a jet job to be taking cue jumpers now...

Also how can the government allow this.....

A dark day in Aus Aviation if this happens..:mad::mad::mad::mad:

Why do you say OUR JOBS, if you are in Somalia??? :confused:

Jetstar to issue 657 visaa?
 

When I first looked at the title of this thread, I thought it was incorrectly named; everyone knows that visas are only issued by the Department of Immigration.

On reflection however, the thread title may be uncomfortably close to the truth....

Lots of good points made here, and one of the best related how the mining industry dealt with skills shortages; NOT with 457 visas.

Consider also that as the recipients of these 457 visas will probably be bringing families with them, their kids will be competing with yours and mine for tertiary places and jobs in the future.

On the other hand, our government is reluctant to allow Pacific Islanders to do seasonal work (fruit picking etc), despite the fact that they are intending to return to their home country at season's end.

All seems a bit bass ackwards to me.

Airlines are seeking to employ "skilled migrants" holders because these people are VULNERABLE and/or DESPERATE.
The "Skilled Migration" programs allows employers to effectively indenture the worker, dangling the of an Australian Passport for them and their family.
Once the passport is obtained, these now free agents will be out the door like a shot pursing contracts, safe in the knowledge they have an Australian bolt hole.
I find it most interesting that with a industry (in pilot terms) roughly 1/3 the size of Australia's, South Africa can provide the solution to the "shortage" claimed by the airlines.
South African Aviation Statistics 2005
Australian Aviation Statistics (includes 2005)

Welcome to Australia Inc, where citizenship is sold for corporate profit.

Seems I WAS RIGHT.

Funny old thing...........

Good luck fellow Aussies, we'll need it.

Can't wait to listen to Mel centre in the future. Once it was Yanks now it'll be Yarpies.

GOD HELP US ALL, because if Pass a Frozzo has any say in it we're all doomed.