Antinuclear

Removing a requirement to assess the skills of Chinese electricians on temporary work visas will endanger the Australian community, the Electrical Trades Union (ETU) says.

Allen Hicks from the ETU said the Government’s decision to remove the mandatory skills assessment requirement for Chinese workers in 10 occupations as part of its new free trade agreement (FTA) with China was an “absolute disgrace”.

“For the Federal Government to come out and waive that under a free trade agreement, without any consultation with unions or employers, is an absolute disgrace,” he said.

“It’s going to create significant workplace dangers, not only just for electricians, but all those people who use electricity.”

Mr Hicks said China’s statistics of workplace deaths was of “genuine concern” to Australians.

“Australia leads the way in electrical safety. We’ve got some of the best electrical workers in the…