BOOST FOR FRONTLINE HEALTH AND DISABILITY SERVICES

Further changes to student visa work conditions will help boost frontline health efforts to tackle coronavirus, says Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack.

International students studying relevant medical courses will be exempt from the usual 40-hour per fortnight work limit if they are working in support of coronavirus health efforts and at the direction of the relevant health authority, Mr McCormack said.

International students currently working for registered disability service providers will also be exempt.

“During this health crisis we need as many people on the frontline as possible and these changes are a step in the right direction to make that happen,” Mr McCormack said.

“Our health services are doing a wonderful job under intense pressure and I thank all their staff for protecting our Riverina and Central West community.

“The same can be said for workers in the disability sector who have had many new challenges thrown at them by the pandemic and have responded brilliantly for the people dependent on their care.”

Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alan Tudge said the measures built on the Prime Minister’s announcement last month that international student nurses would be exempt from the restrictions.

“We are ensuring state and territory health services have the people they need to continue testing for and treating coronavirus cases so we can stay on top of this crisis,” Minister Tudge said.

“We’re also ensuring we have enough workers to support those with disability, as many in the current workforce are required to quarantine or take time out to care for their own families.”

Mr McCormack said about 8,000 international students already worked as aged and disability carers in Australia and allowing them to work more hours made sense.

Minister for Health Greg Hunt said the changes would ensure Australia had the health workforce available to continue our coronavirus success.

“Australia is leading the world in our health response, but we need to keep testing and ensure our health system is prepared for potential future outbreaks like we have seen in other countries,” Minister Hunt said.

Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Stuart Robert said measures for the disability sector only applied to international students already in Australia and already employed. Businesses which need to bring on new employees should still attempt to hire Australian workers first.

The measures for international students enrolled in medical university or vocational courses apply to students working under the direction of State or Territory authorities.

They are temporary measures and will be reviewed regularly.

Similar arrangements introduced for students working in supermarkets will end on 1 May, now that businesses have had time to recruit and train Australian workers. Workers in the aged care sector can continue working extra hours.

Employers are still required to abide by all relevant Australian workplace laws. Students have the same rights under Australian workplace law as all other employees.

More information is available on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Mr McCormack said online and phone support services for people experiencing drug and alcohol problems would also receive an extra $6 million from the Federal Government during the pandemic.

Shane Manning