A Perth business forced to correct a job advertisement calling for only 457 visa-holders to apply has again ignited debate about protectionism in WA's workforce.
The business posted an ad on Gumtree Australia on March 8 for a full-time electrician that read:
"##Hiring Electrician on a 457 for [job]##. Looking for a candidates interested in Solar. Should be ready to start immediately. Training provided. Requirement: 457 Visa, Valid Electrician Licence, Valid Driving Licence."
A 457 visa is provided by the Federal Government, and is valid for four years. It allows for businesses to hire migrants in specialised positions.
The 457 requirement listed in the advertisement would have prevented Australian residents from applying for the position and could be classified as "discrimination", the Fair Work Ombudsman said.
After posting the ad, the business faced backlash from those who believed the job should also be open to Australian residents.
Just over a week later, the business amended the contents of its advertisement and said the job description was incorrect.
"This was an unfortunate error committed from one of our staff and was put in without the knowledge of our management," a spokesperson said.
"Once noticed, we immediately removed this advertisement from Gumtree."
Despite the correction, the business has continued to draw criticism for its error - and the advertisement still remains visible on several other recruiting websites.
A Fair Work Ombudsman spokesperson said the advertisement would be assessed further and UnionsWA secretary Meredith Hammit said the mistake should have been rectified much sooner.
"At a time of high unemployment, it is unacceptable that employers exclude locals from access to job opportunities in preference for temporary overseas workers," she said.
"Too often the use of temporary overseas workers leads to their being exploited through long hours of work, in unsafe conditions or with poor wages."
According to a report by the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union of Australia, a number of 457 visa employees were often too "frightened to speak up" about poor or unsafe conditions due to the possible threat of losing their job.
And while it is illegal to pay a 457 visa holder below the market rate, Australian businesses continue to face fines after breaching their business sponsorship obligations.
On Friday, Premier Mark McGowan took the first step in addressing some of the concerns of WA unions.
As first flagged on WAtoday.com.au, Premier McGowan requested Perth be removed from the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme, which would stop a pathway for overseas workers to obtain a visa.
Mr McGowan said he would soon be reviewing the state's migration occupation list.
The current skilled occupation list has been removed from the Migration WA website.
"The Western Australian skilled migration occupation list (WASMOL) is currently under review. While this review is under way, intending migrants will not be invited to apply for Western Australian State nomination," the website says.