Unions have lambasted the Victorian government after it emerged that one of the companies building the controversial $6.8bn East West Link road has advertised a position that will help bring in overseas workers.
Spanish firm Acciona, one of the East West Link contractors, posted an advert for an immigration adviser on several Australian job boards, including Seek, prior to the project’s contract being signed.
The person in the role will “collect required documentation” and lodge 457 visas for overseas staff members to work on the project, for a “busy” six-month period.
According to the ad, the role will be based at Southbank in Melbourne and will provide “high quality immigration services and advice to the business”.
On Tuesday, the Victorian government extolled the local economic benefits of the 6.6km road and tunnel, which will connect two freeways in the northern suburbs of Melbourne and require the demolition of nearly 100 houses and tracts of parkland.
The state government has said the project will create 3,700 jobs and provide new apprenticeships for local workers. Ministers have also stressed that raw materials, such as steel, will be sourced locally.
Ged Kearney, the president of the ACTU, said it was “extraordinary” that the first job she had seen advertised for the East West Link was one that will manage 457 visa applications.
“The ink is barely dry on the contract and there’s already a job advertised for an immigration adviser to manage 457 visa applications for the East West Link project,” she said.
“This project is being paid for by both the Victorian and federal governments – how can they allow temporary workers to be brought in from overseas when there are Victorian and Australian workers desperate for jobs?”
Kearney said the episode demonstrated the need for a Senate inquiry into the 457 visa scheme.
Denis Napthine, the Victorian premier, said there were requirements in the East West Link contract for construction firms to use local materials and labour. However, some elements, such as the tunnel boring machine, will have to be sourced from overseas.
“I am unaware whether there is sufficient local expertise to man and operate that tunnel boring machine,” Napthine told Fairfax.
“I would imagine that every possible job that can be delivered by local people will be delivered by local people. We want to maximise local employment – that is the advice we have given to the East-West Connect consortium, they will be seeking to maximise local employment. The local content includes employment.”
