Tourism crying out for workers as visitor numbers climb

A QUEENSLAND industry is struggling to secure enough workers, with operators opting to import 457 visa workers due to a skills shortage.

NOT ENOUGH COOKS: Chef Nicola Robertiello at Fiamme Trattoria needs workers. Picture: Mark Cranitch

THE tourism industry is crying out for staff, with operators now opting for 457 visa workers from overseas as a skills shortage becomes a major issue.

The demand for workers is on the back of a surge in Chinese visitors to Australia which has created boom-like conditions but also coincides with a climbing unemployment rate, particularly in regional Queensland.

According to the industry, operators are already using 457 visas to bring in workers, particularly chefs and cooks, to cope with the huge demand from the exceptional growth in the number of cafes and restaurants.

Visitor numbers grew 12 per cent in the past year.

“It’s a numbers game (but) the skill shortages are definitely now emerging,’’ Queensland Tourism Industry Council chief executive Daniel Gschwind said.

“We have shortages in cookery and for chefs and it’s very hard to get them.

“It’s tough for us and if we grow the industry as we hope to skills shortages will occur.

“It’s not just a career for waiters and baristas.

“There are 120 different careers in tourism.

“The 457s are already playing a part and will continue to do so, but the industry will always have a local preference.’’

Brisbane chef Nicola Robertiello of Albion restaurant Fiamme Trattoria says skilled workers are hard to come by in Queensland.

“I have never been able to find someone from Queensland who meets the criteria and is why we hire 457 workers,’’ he said. “At the moment the 457 is also needed when you are trying to nail down a specific cuisine and some Australians chefs don’t have the same touch an international chef who is experienced in the cuisine.’’

People of prime working age – 25 to 35 — are leaving the tourism sector due to unsociable hours, low pay, perceived exploitative practices by some managers, and frustration at a lack of opportunities for career progression, according to a report done for the Australian Trade Commission.

The industry is also concerned the Federal Government will impose its proposed backpacker tax which will mean overseas visitors will go elsewhere for their working holiday, rather than paying 33 per cent tax from the first dollar earned.