Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has today called for the Federal Government to urgently address the significant delays in processing visa applications.
The Premier has written to the Prime Minister to explain that the recent and ongoing delays in the processing of permanent and provisional visas, particularly for those who have been living for some time in the Tasmanian community, are creating uncertainty and frustration for both employers and their employees.
Premier Rockliff called on the Commonwealth Government to immediately reinstate and increase the additional Australian Government resourcing that had been put in place to process the backlogs for at least a further six months while more permanent solutions are investigated.
"Our Government is ready and willing to work with the Australian Government on any solutions that could be implemented to address this national issue and ensure the visa processing system is functioning efficiently and effectively – and if this means shared resourcing, we are happy to play our part," Premier Rockliff said.
"We know how important a flexible and responsive migration system is and the role that plays in supporting the Tasmanian economy. These delays are not only affecting the growth of businesses in our State, but also the well-being of the individuals involved who just want to work in and contribute to our community.
"Business confidence in Tasmania is among the highest in the country and with record low unemployment rates we need to be doing everything we can to support businesses and their employees.
"These delays are hindering further growth and investment in our State and the Federal Government needs to step up and make it a priority. "
Minister for State Development, Construction and Housing, Guy Barnett, acknowledged the additional resources that have recently been directed to visa processing and the subsequent improvements in visa processing timeframes but warned that significant delays remained with many applicants spending long periods of time on bridging visas.
"These delays are resulting in uncertainty for employers about the longer-term future of their employees' visa status, especially bridging visa holders," Minister Barnett said.
"It is essential that we support skilled workers in their efforts to upgrade their skills and gain new experiences, as this will help to drive economic growth and competitiveness.
"Current delays in visa processing are making it difficult for migrants to take advantage of these opportunities, which is a loss not just for them, but for the entire Tasmanian community."
