Murdoch blasts 'racist' Australia on skilled visas

[Mid]

Murdoch blasts 'racist' Australia on skilled visas
2 Apr 2013

Global media baron Rupert Murdoch accused the government of his native Australia of "disgraceful and racist" language over a crackdown on visas for skilled migrants.


Rupert Murdoch and wife Wendi Deng Murdoch arrive for the 85th Annual Academy Awards on February 24, 2013. Murdoch accused the government of his native Australia of "disgraceful and racist" language over a crackdown on visas for skilled migrants.

The Australian-born News Corporation chief condemned the centre-left Labor government's rhetoric about the tightening of the 457-class skilled visa programme amid claims of abuse by employers and disadvantage to local workers.

"I think the way that they're talking about the 457 is pretty disgraceful and racist, but I'm a big one for encouraging immigration, I think that's the future," Murdoch told Sky News on a business visit to northern Australia.

"A mixture of people -- just look at America -- is just fantastic," he added.

Murdoch said there were "difficulties for generations of migrants sometimes if there are too many from one area, but they meld in a couple of generations and it leads to tremendous creativity in the community".

He said skilled migration was vital to economic growth in Australia's north, which is in the grip of a mining and resources boom with billions of dollars of investment slated for the coming years.

Assistant Treasurer David Bradbury rejected the remarks, saying there was "nothing racist about standing up for jobs and job opportunities for Australians".

There is little love lost between Murdoch's Australian operations News Limited and Prime Minister Julia Gillard's Labor government -- ministers have accused his newspapers of campaigning for regime change.

News Limited has, in turn, been highly critical of the government's proposed media reforms which came in the wake of Britain's phone-hacking scandal.

Gillard's Labor has been criticised by the left-leaning Greens party, commentators and some business leaders for plans to crack down on 457s in an election year, accused of angling for the anti-immigration vote.

According to the immigration department, growth in 457 visas has significantly outstripped national employment growth, suggesting "the program is being increasingly driven by temporary visa holders seeking to remain in Australia instead of the demands of the Australian labour force".

The number of 457 visa holders expanded 21.5 percent between February 2012 and February 2013 to 107,510.

bangkokpost.com

[Norton]

"nothing racist about standing up for jobs and job opportunities for Australians"

You betcha.

[crocman]

457 visa's are continually being rorted by thieving money grubbing cnuts like Gina Rinehart and Piggy Palmer to line their own pockets.

[Mozzbie47]

The truth is many Australian dont want to work, why work when the government pay you sh-t loads to stay at home, especialy if you have a few kids.
I know a firm that couldnt get Australians for the vacant positions, so they shipped Chinese in, set them up with housing etc. Talking to one of the supervisors after they had been on the job for 12 months, he said if it was his choise, he would emply all Chinese. They work hard, dont have sick days,dont winge , dont stay home if the cat has kittens. And to top it off, they are very good at what they do. Australians have to take a look at where they are and why.

[sabang]

Rupert Murdoch, who relinquished his native Australian citizenship for more money (and less tax) in America, has no right to lecture Australia or Australians about anything. He's yours now, good riddance. When I look at the diverse fortunes of both nations since his voluntary exile, I am pleased he belongs to the other nation.

[kingwilly]

Talking to one of the supervisors after they had been on the job for 12 months, he said if it was his choise, he would emply all Chinese. They work hard, dont have sick days,dont winge , dont stay home if the cat has kittens. And to top it off, they are very good at what they do. Australians have to take a look at where they are and why.

Nowt more needs to be said.

[mao say dung]

Nowt more needs to be said.

I hear they don't even need to be handcuffed to their work-stations! Quite a savings for the cost-conscious employer there.

What a fucked up way to measure human value... you support bringing back slavery too?

[sabang]

A 'country' organises and forms itself to take care of it's members, more commonly known as citizens. Not some greedy soulless money grubbing cnut (a foreigner to boot), who's only allegiance is to the dollar. It sticks in my craw that he has the temerity to lecture.

[Radius]

"I think the way that they're talking about the 457 is pretty disgraceful and racist, but I'm a big one for encouraging immigration, I think that's the future," Murdoch told Sky News on a business visit to northern Australia.

I wonder if this view of his on immigration started when his new young Asian wife started bouncing up and down on his wilted wong.