State Gov poised to charge parents on 457 visas up to $6100 per child for public education

State Government poised to charge parents on 457 visas up to $6100 per child for public education

March 25, 2016 10:52pm LAUREN NOVAK POLITICAL REPORTER The Advertiser

Education Minister Susan Close.

CHARGING parents working in South Australia on 457 visas to send their children to public schools is expected to net the State Government an extra $11 million to spend on early childhood education.

Education Minister Susan Close has announced that 457 visa workers earning a household income of more than $57,000 will have to start paying school fees of up to $6100 from next year. The move brings SA into line with WA, NSW and the ACT.

Currently, people employed in SA on 457 visas — granted to foreign workers employed in Australia to fill a skills shortage — do not pay public school fees.

Dr Close said the Government felt it was “fair to ask 457 visa holders who make a temporary home here to make a modest contribution to the cost of providing public education”.

“The money will help fund early childhood education, which is one of the most crucial areas of our education system,” she said.

Immigration Department data shows that about 1500 applications for 457 visas are granted each year for SA. Visa holders can remain for up to four years.

It is estimated the new fee requirement will generate more than $11 million in extra revenue for the state over the next four years.

Any family supported by a 457 visa worker, with a household income of $77,000 or more, will have to pay $5100 per year for primary school students and $6100 for secondary students.

In comparison, the average South Australian family pays a basic fee for primary school students of $229 and $303 per secondary student, but schools can set fees higher by a vote of parents.

Fees will only be charged on 457 visa families with a gross income of more than $57,000.

Sliding discounts will be applied to families earning up to $77,000, after which parents will pay the full fee.

Federal immigration data show Indian workers made up almost 20 per cent of people granted the visas in 2014-15, followed by those from the United Kingdom (15.3 per cent each), China (12.9 per cent), the United States (7.8 per cent) and the Philippines (6.1 per cent each).

The most common occupations filled by these workers at present include meat worker, medical officer or GP, cook, university lecturer, metal fabricator, graphic designer, accountant and massage therapist.

The average 457 visa worker earns a base salary of $90,700, compared to $70,100 for the average fulltime working South Australian.

For the first year, the new charge will only apply to people who arrive in SA from January 1, 2017.

From January 2018 it will apply to all 457 visa holders living the state, regardless of when they arrived.

Good move.

Can't help but suspect that it's only a matter of time before QLD, VIC & TAS fall into line with this. Pretty soon the 457 visa will be seen as only suitable for single people & childless couples.

Should be the case. No problems at all there. Other states should follow sharpish not already signed on.

Might stop some in WA moaning about having to pay as they only pay $4000!

Good move. It won't be long before the other states move that way too. At least they don't charge as much as ACT which is a bonus.

Quite right too - with unemployment here high and getting higher, i am amazed that professions such as 'cook', 'accountant' and 'massage therapist' are still jobs that supposedly cannot be filled by locals

It is all good and well saying this is the way to go... do these families have to cough up this money before school starts as most of us have been through the beginning of year costs for your child to be at school... not counting the books etc.... and we can't forget this is worked out on your actual salary before tax ... not worked out after tax.... eg.... $57000 equates to $880 a week take home... hmmm not looking so great now... take home for the year $45,933 and before argument breaks out.... that is with the tax threshold ... so just to open it up a little.... average rent.... $300-$450 per week... food.. bills...transport... clothes... children stuff... not a lot left... and to cap it all off pay private health insurance but hey wooohooo to 457 paying more than some private schools charge...no l am not a 457 anymore but that's how it started for our family.... all l can say is thank god we did it 8 years ago before all this crap started...

State Government poised to charge parents on 457 visas up to $6100 per child for public education

 

March 25, 2016 10:52pm LAUREN NOVAK POLITICAL REPORTER The Advertiser

 

 

Education Minister Susan Close.

 

CHARGING parents working in South Australia on 457 visas to send their children to public schools is expected to net the State Government an extra $11 million to spend on early childhood education.

 

Education Minister Susan Close has announced that 457 visa workers earning a household income of more than $57,000 will have to start paying school fees of up to $6100 from next year. The move brings SA into line with WA, NSW and the ACT.

 

Currently, people employed in SA on 457 visas — granted to foreign workers employed in Australia to fill a skills shortage — do not pay public school fees.

 

Dr Close said the Government felt it was “fair to ask 457 visa holders who make a temporary home here to make a modest contribution to the cost of providing public education”.

 

“The money will help fund early childhood education, which is one of the most crucial areas of our education system,” she said.

 

Immigration Department data shows that about 1500 applications for 457 visas are granted each year for SA. Visa holders can remain for up to four years.

 

It is estimated the new fee requirement will generate more than $11 million in extra revenue for the state over the next four years.

 

Any family supported by a 457 visa worker, with a household income of $77,000 or more, will have to pay $5100 per year for primary school students and $6100 for secondary students.

 

In comparison, the average South Australian family pays a basic fee for primary school students of $229 and $303 per secondary student, but schools can set fees higher by a vote of parents.

 

Fees will only be charged on 457 visa families with a gross income of more than $57,000.

 

Sliding discounts will be applied to families earning up to $77,000, after which parents will pay the full fee.

 

Federal immigration data show Indian workers made up almost 20 per cent of people granted the visas in 2014-15, followed by those from the United Kingdom (15.3 per cent each), China (12.9 per cent), the United States (7.8 per cent) and the Philippines (6.1 per cent each).

 

The most common occupations filled by these workers at present include meat worker, medical officer or GP, cook, university lecturer, metal fabricator, graphic designer, accountant and massage therapist.

 

The average 457 visa worker earns a base salary of $90,700, compared to $70,100 for the average fulltime working South Australian.

 

For the first year, the new charge will only apply to people who arrive in SA from January 1, 2017.

 

From January 2018 it will apply to all 457 visa holders living the state, regardless of when they arrived.

It is all good and well saying this is the way to go... do these families have to cough up this money before school starts as most of us have been through the beginning of year costs for your child to be at school... not counting the books etc.... and we can't forget this is worked out on your actual salary before tax ... not worked out after tax.... eg.... $57000 equates to $880 a week take home... hmmm not looking so great now... take home for the year $45,933 and before argument breaks out.... that is with the tax threshold ... so just to open it up a little.... average rent.... $300-$450 per week... food.. bills...transport... clothes... children stuff... not a lot left... and to cap it all off pay private health insurance but hey wooohooo to 457 paying more than some private schools charge...no l am not a 457 anymore but that's how it started for our family.... all l can say is thank god we did it 8 years ago before all this crap started...

As long as it does not apply to families that are already here (i.e they came over to work before the fees came into place), then there should be no issue with it.

Anybody coming over on a 457 in the future can make an informed decision as to whether they wish to come here temporarily or not, taking the fees (and they are needed in the education sector) into account.

As long as it does not apply to families that are already here (i.e they came over to work before the fees came into place), then there should be no issue with it.

 

Anybody coming over on a 457 in the future can make an informed decision as to whether they wish to come here temporarily or not, taking the fees (and they are needed in the education sector) into account.

For the first year, the new charge will only apply to people who arrive in SA from January 1, 2017.

From January 2018 it will apply to all 457 visa holders living the state, regardless of when they arrived.

The most common occupations filled by these workers at present include meat worker

Slightly off topic..but interesting article from last year in relation to meat workers on 457 visas in South Australia.....

http://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/agribusiness/thomas-foods-international-accused-of-abusing-and-bullying-workers/news-story/45966afee088c6e91c52a4b7fe1083d1

Quite right too - with unemployment here high and getting higher, i am amazed that professions such as 'cook', 'accountant' and 'massage therapist' are still jobs that supposedly cannot be filled by locals

My understanding is that there is an over supply of Accountants around Australia, so I am not sure why that is still on the list. I have worked at a company that employed people on 457 visas and it caused a lot of issues with the original workforce as it was felt the system was abused to give jobs to mates.

For the first year, the new charge will only apply to people who arrive in SA from January 1, 2017.

 

From January 2018 it will apply to all 457 visa holders living the state, regardless of when they arrived.

Yes, I read that part and no, I do not agree that it should apply to those who have already taken up temporary residence. However, those that choose to come over where a fee is already in place should have no issue with it. It will most likely soon apply to the whole of Australia.

Yes, I read that part and no, I do not agree that it should apply to those who have already taken up temporary residence. However, those that choose to come over where a fee is already in place should have no issue with it. It will most likely soon apply to the whole of Australia.

That's a fair comment.

Those having to pay would not have much left on a 457 if they came over in say 2015 and so would not be looking at paying years of fees, perhaps just having to pay one year or so. Also those coming anytime from now will expect it and factor it into their costs over the 4 years. And those who are using the 457 at present as a to springboard to PR will perhaps do so sooner to avoid the costs or not use their 457 as a way to gain PR. Or not apply for the 457 route at all.

Some might even opt for a private school with fees around the same ballpark as the state charges (at least at primary level). Some opt for private on a 457 already.

Yes, I read that part and no, I do not agree that it should apply to those who have already taken up temporary residence. However, those that choose to come over where a fee is already in place should have no issue with it. It will most likely soon apply to the whole of Australia.

We've said our bit on another thread. But agree with you that it seems quite unreasonable that people who have come over on certain terms can have these taken away from them. Imagine if the rights of PR were changed?!

Most of the 457s are fraudulent (estimated at 80 or 90%) so this will hopefully cut down on so many of these ridiculous schemes to bring people on jobs that any Tom, Dick or Harry in Australia could do.

I'm not seeing what is so new. We came here (NSW) 6 years ago on a 457. We knew there was no free education for our 8yr daughter. It was the same cost for her to go to a public school as a private for us.

It was a personal choice for us not putting her in a religious private school and very happy with the schooling she had.

At the end of the day. As a 457 you are a guest and should expect to pay for the privilege.

If your lucky ( we were) you may get sponsorship for perm.

457 is not migration. It's a great chance to work in and experience Australia.

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Slightly off topic..but interesting article from last year in relation to meat workers on 457 visas in South Australia.....

 

http://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/agribusiness/thomas-foods-international-accused-of-abusing-and-bullying-workers/news-story/45966afee088c6e91c52a4b7fe1083d1

Noticed this article...poor man...I had previously read he was on a 457 visa...is there no requirement to pass the English tests on a 457 visa?

Big Mars Pty Ltd fined $240,000 after immigrant worker left to burn in caustic soda bath

April 27, 2016 4:02pm

Chief Court Reporter Sean Fewster The Advertiser

AN immigrant worker who did not speak English was severely burned in bath of caustic soda, and not rescued for several minutes, in an incident that has cost his employers a $240,000 fine.

In a judgment published on Wednesday, the Industrial Magistrates Court convicted Big Mars Pty Ltd of failing to provide safe working environments for its non-English speaking staff.

Industrial Magistrate Stephen Lieschke said Big Mars made its money by importing people from Taiwan and China to work in South Australian abattoirs.

However, they failed to provide those people training or instructions in their native languages — resulting in Yu-Hsiang Hsiao, 21, suffering burns to 32 per cent of his body.

“Big Mars took no steps to deal with the obvious communication issues for employees who did not speak or read English, and who worked alone in the abattoir,” he said.

“Big Mars failed miserably to carry out any of its fundamental safety responsibilities — if it had done so, Mr Hsiao is highly unlikely to have been injured.

“This offence is an extremely serious breach ... very little can be said in mitigation ... a severe penalty is warranted.”

Big Mars, owned by Lin Xian Rong, pleaded guilty to having breached state workplace law at Murray Bridge on November 6, 2013.

At the time, it was providing staff to an abattoir but, under law, was responsible for all staff training and safety requirements.

In his judgment, Mr Lieschke said Mr Hsiao, of Taiwan, was tasked to work alone cleaning and sterilising meat hooks in a floor-level bath of caustic soda heated to 65C.

He said Mr Hsiao was given no instructions, in Taiwanese, as to how the job could be completed safely — nor were the bath’s safety features explained to him.

“Caustic soda is very effective at dissolving animal tissue — that is why it is so dangerous to people,” he said.

“Ms Hsiao did receive a written work instruction in English but, as at least Big Mars knew, he did not read or understand English.

“He was not told the bath contained any dangerous substances and he was not given any instructions of what to do if he came in contact with the liquid in the bath.”

Mr Lieschke said Mr Hsiao “urgently needed help” after falling into the bath but “about three minutes” passed before his predicament was noticed by co-workers.

Following surgery and several skin grafts, he returned to Taiwan but continues to struggle with “profoundly adverse effects” upon his health.

Mr Lieschke said neither Big Mars nor Mr Rong had expressed contrition, nor had they compensated Mr Hsiao and his family.

He therefore declined to discount the company’s penalty by 40 per cent, as doing so would “shock the public conscience” given the severity of the case.

IELTS has been a requirement of 457 for at least 6 years.

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