$3 million rescue package for temporary visa holders announced

UPDATED: Peter Gutwein has announced a “modest package" for temporary visa holders in Tasmania, and warned against racist remarks telling workers to “just go home”.

The Tasmanian Government will roll out $3 million to help the thousands of temporary visa holders stuck in the state without work or a way of getting home.

The government’s movement on the issue puts more pressure on Canberra to extend its pandemic rescue measures to foreign workers.

Premier Peter Gutwein on Wednesday announced what he called a “modest package”, saying many of the temporary visa holders who were in Tasmania — such as students, farm workers, chefs and medical workers — were hurting.

Premier Peter Gutwein speaking at the daily COVID-19 briefing. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Many have lost their jobs and are unable to get home due to travel restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The cohort is not eligible for Federal Government JobKeeper or JobSeeker assistance, and Tasmanian Greens Senator Nick McKim said the states had been forced to step in because foreign workers had been abandoned by Canberra.

Tasmania attracts about 26,000 temporary visa holders each year.

A significant number have now lost their jobs due to the coronavirus restrictions, and many are experiencing hardship, Mr Gutwein said.

“This is a time for common humanity,” he said.

“If we had children on the other side of the world, you would hope they are offered some level of support.”

The package will extend eligibility for the State Government’s Pandemic Isolation Assistance Grants.

Temporary visa holders who can demonstrate financial hardship due to the pandemic will receive a payment of $200 for an individual and up to $1000 for a family.

Greens Senator Nick McKim. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

The package will also see additional funding going to non-government organisations to provide additional emergency relief and assistance where required.

While many temporary visa holders cannot return home due to border restrictions, some can, and the government will now work with them to get them back.

The package will also see the government work with businesses which employ temporary visa holders and want to retain them.

“I do not agree with the message we are hearing that these people should ‘just go home’,” Mr Gutwein said.

“In many cases they can’t.

“Businesses and communities have benefited from temporary visa holders particularly in the agricultural, tourism and education sectors.

“They are a part of our community and it is time for kindness.

“There is no room for racism or abuse in Tasmania. It is only fair and reasonable we provide some support in their hour of need.”

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Labor leader Rebecca White said she welcomed the announcement.

“The virus doesn’t check your visa status, and we need to protect all members of our community during this pandemic,” Ms White said.

Tasmania Labor leader Rebecca White at parliament. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

Unions Tasmania, which had been campaigning for more support for migrant workers, said it had been inundated with calls from hundreds of migrant workers desperate for support. “We hear harrowing stories from migrant workers who can’t get home, who consider Australia their home, but who are facing destitution and homelessness,” Unions Tasmania secretary Jessica Munday said.

Senator McKim urged the Federal Government to act.

“People who hold temporary visas need proper income support and access to Medicare, both of which are federal responsibilities,” he said.