Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry cheif urges red tape cut for sponsorship visas to aid businesses

The Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry has called on the Federal Government to fast-track the sponsorship visa process to help local businesses fill staffing gaps. In a statement released on Thursday, ACCI chief executive Benita Cattalini urged the Government to change the regulations for sponsored workers to increase the pool of workers available. She proposed an exemption to the normal advertising requirements to allow sponsorships to be transferred immediately within Australia. She said the exemptions could be a temporary measure and limited to regional areas. As things stood, Ms Cattalini, pictured, said businesses looking to hire people on sponsorship visas had to advertise on three job advertising platforms for a minimum of 28 days, before applying to have their sponsorship transferred to their business. It could be several months between finding a suitable applicant and having them start work. “The concern for this region is that we need these staff now to cope with the significant increase in demand from significant numbers of new visitors,” she said. “Many businesses are struggling to find staff, both skilled and unskilled. “In particular, hospitality businesses in Albany are competing for the same staff — chefs, front-of-house staff, cleaners and kitchen hands. “There are very few local applications for positions that are currently advertised. “There are some applications from qualified applicants from the Eastern States. “However, two thirds of these are people who are currently on sponsorship visas.” She said the worker shortage would have an impact on the region’s reputation. “To remain operational, businesses are reducing operational hours, working significant hours in their business and taking on increased cost to increase salary offers and training on the job,” she said. “The reduction in availability of tables in food and hospitality businesses, less choice of venues and a reduced overall visitor experience of the region.” Last Thursday, Albany’s Alkaline Cafe announced they would be closed for the rest of the week. “We are empty,” Alkaline said in a Facebook post. “We have tried our very best to soldier on to serve you but we are physically experiencing health issues and are unable to go on.” The next day, Denmark’s Boston Brewing Co. said they had stopped offering table service and reduced their opening hours to four days a week. “We value our staff who have all worked tirelessly over the last few months ... we do not want them burning out and losing passion for the amazing work they do,” Boston said on Facebook.