The Australian Parliament has made the decision in protecting Australian jobs by blocking the Abbott Government’s attempts to flood the offshore oil and gas sector with cheap foreign labour.
MUA National Secretary Paddy Crumlin said Maritime Crew Visas were never intended for use in the offshore resources industry.
“The Government are the ones who undermined the intent of the Gillard Government’s legislation by inserting an inappropriate class of visa,” Paddy Crumlin said.
“If there is any chaos in the offshore sector in coming days it is entirely of the Government’s own making.
“The Government has tonight run up the false argument that highly specialized workers’ jobs will be placed at risk.
“All the Government needs to do is put up an appropriate regulation and there wouldn’t be a problem.
“Sensible Senators know that opening the back door to cheap foreign labour isn’t the answer.
“We need to maintain our maritime skills base and ensure the viability of Australian jobs in the offshore sector.”
Related: Australia: Labor to fight for offshore workers