Canberrans Lose Jobs to Internationals
Friday April 3, 2009
Canberrans are losing their jobs to overseas employees after the ACT Government replaced nine Australian child protection workers with recruits from Britain from the Live in Canberra campaign.
Thirty-six British recruits will begin work after six Australian citizens from the Office of Children, Youth and Family Support were told to pack their bags three weeks ago.
The decision has been backed up by the Minister for Children and Young People Andrew Barr defended the office's actions who recently said the British workers were given permanent work ahead of the nine contract workers as they are better qualified.
"The recruitment round was very successful, so we've employed the best child protection workers available," Mr Barr told The Canberra Times.
"Each of the incumbents was able to reapply, but there were better applicants ... The British recruits were better child protection workers, and ultimately that's where we've come to."
One child protection case manager who did not have her contract renewed told The Canberra Times she was unhappy with the decision.
"[My colleagues and I] are really upset," the worker, who did not wish to be named, said.
"We worked our butts off, we worked hard for the department and we did our best, and now it's like 'Thanks for coming, see you later'. There was no thanks attached, nothing."
