“The lack of an effective streamlined process in issuing 457 visas has resulted in the main employer in the South West Queensland regional centre of Charleville to shutdown.

“Queensland meat processors, Western Exporters, who currently employ 105 workers, and have the capacity to employ 40 – 50 more workers will have to shut because of an irrational and inflexible approach of a government that doesn’t understand the reality of business nor the dynamics of commerce in remote regional towns.

“The Labor Government’s pledge that unions will be consulted before any 457 visa approvals, has added another layer of unnecessary bureaucratic red tape. It is oxymoronic that this blind approach to protocol, which was apparently to save jobs, is going to cost jobs.

“Now not only are the Visa applicants without employment but the Australian workforce, and commerce of the town have been dealt a disastrous blow. This is just pure bad management by the government and all are going to suffer because of it.

“105 workers will be out of a job; the biggest employer in Charleville is out of business; the main economic driver in the town has stopped and all because a government cannot manage around corners.

“The government has asked for the impossible and that is to train an equivalent number of Australian workers at a time of full employment in the town of Charleville. Unfortunately, the town of Charleville will be gutted and if the Labor party are looking for spare workers, they have created them as a result of this decision.” Senator Joyce said.

Ends