Locals denied top caravan park jobs

Outrage after 457 visas issued to foreigners

By Dennis Amor
Have your say

CARAVANNERS have expressed outrage over news that foreigners are being employed to run some caravan parks.

According to reports, there have been at least five 457 visa approvals issued for caravan park or camp managers each year for the past five years.

The visas allow "skilled workers" to enter Aust​ralia and work for an approved business for up to four years, and the government list of 650 occupations considered acceptable includes caravan park or camp managers.

They are supposed to be issued only where locals cannot be found for the jobs.

One dumbfounded grey nomad complained that locals were being denied job opportunities.

"I have tried many times for a position like this but always get turned away, so why are foreigners being imported to fill them?" Jacob Appleton asked.

"Surely out-of-work caravanners are more suited to these jobs than strangers to the country."

And fulltime travellers Johnathon and Kate Edwards commented: "Bloody ridiculous. There's lots of us on the road who are capable and looking for work like this.

"The government obviously thinks that people from overseas can do the job better than us."

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton now wants a review to ensure the list reflects genuine market needs.

Below: An extract from the Federal Government's list of acceptable trades or professions for 457 visas:

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