The CFMEU has flagged fresh concerns over mainland workers granted travel exemptions
The deployment of dozens of tradespeople to work for one of Tasmania’s largest employers has raised further concerns about the state’s possible exposure to COVID-19.
Business
Don't miss out on the headlines from Business. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE deployment of 70 tradespeople to work at Hobart’s zinc smelter has raised further concerns about the “bypassing” of Tasmanian workers and the state’s possible exposure to COVID-19.
A letter from smelter company Nyrstar to its employees this week, seen by the Mercury, outlined the “need to bring in 70 mainland workers for specialised work that we can’t secure workers for in Tasmania”.
In the letter the company said it tried to avoid using workers from Victoria “and managed to reduce the number to four”.
A Nyrstar spokeswoman yesterday said no workers from Victoria would participate in the works, following further consideration and to avoid any risk of a Victorian transmission.
“The majority of the proposed works will be undertaken by local workers. However some of the proposed works are highly specialised and the skills are not available locally,” the spokeswoman said.
“Nyrstar is preparing for critical maintenance works. These programs are an important part of our business for the safety of our people, our process and our sustainability. If we cannot undertake key maintenance then operations may slow or stop.”
The state’s construction union secretary Richie Hassett said it was alarming to see mainland workers granted authorisation for maintenance work without quarantining.
“I can understand a couple guys coming over to do that work, but for 70 people to do get a get out of quarantine free card – that’s concerning,” CFMEU’s Mr Hassett said.
“They are brought down under the guise of ‘specialised workers’. And while the workers are skilled there are plenty of Tasmanians who have the skills and have previously done those jobs.
“The Tasmanian workers seem to be bypassed.
“There is no need to bring down construction workers and mix them with Tasmanian workers and risk the state’s exposure to the coronavirus.”
It comes after supermarket giant Coles last week defended its decision to fly several interstate tradespeople to Tasmania for the New Town store refurbishment.
The State Government was also criticised after Tasmanian Hospitality Association chief Steve Old thanked DPIPWE secretary Tim Baker for helping get workers into Tasmania to complete the Kalis Crowne Plaza hotel project.
Premier Peter Gutwein on Wednesday said businesses seeking essential workers would have to look further abroad than Victoria to mitigate coronavirus risk.
“I would say to businesses and organisations that are seeking essential workers, you will need to demonstrate that (specialty) cannot be recruited from any other state in Australia,” Mr Gutwein said.
All exemptions are processed by DPIPWE and approved by the State Controller.
Nyrstar has been contacted for comment.
Macquarie’s new lighthouse is all about the AI boom
Investment bank Macquarie wants to build another AirTrunk, and the infrastructure supporting the tech revolution sits at the heart of its plans.
The best ETFs of the past five years
Exchange traded funds, which let investors buy into entire sectors or markets with just one transaction, are going from strength to strength. But some ETFs are stronger than others.