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So below are @MarkMcGowanMP election promises from 2017. He has acknowledged the lack of action from the Barnett Gov in not implementing the recommendations from the Impact of FIFO work practices on Mental Health by the Ed Standing Comit of the Leg/Assem of the Parlim of West Aus
Point 1. Acknowledging that the FIFO life leads to extra stress in family relationships, loneliness, isolation, depression and suicide.
Point 2. Mental health issues among fifo workers are in the realm of 30% of the workforce compared to the national average of 20% and there is an increased risk of suicide compared to the general population.
Even time rosters are more favourable over longer rosters for mental well-being and the clear need for legislative change in the OHS space in FIFO industries.
So @MarkMcGowanMP why are you forcing interstate fifo workers to relocate to keep their jobs? Forcing them to choose between being at work and putting food on the table while under severe mental strain or going home unemployed and being under financial strain?
When you have clearly acknowledged the high prevalence of mental health issues and suicide within this industry but some workers have spent up to 10 months apart from their partners, children and family? Given interstate fifo workers no other option than relocation or staying
in WA indefinitely? There is a middle ground between hard border and letting COVID rip through WA and there is a middle ground between 8 months away and coming to WA every week for work. Why are truck drivers given an exemption but not FIFO workers?
Interstate FIFO workers are continuously barred from any exemption list to enter WA and at this point, almost 12 months into COVID, it seems personal. You have continuously stated that you want more people with a higher income in WA but I dnt think this is the way to go about it
If you condemn the Barnett Gov for their failings in implementing the reports of that finding, stand behind your election promise and stop putting this strain on the interstate fifo workforce and provide support.
To date, absolutely no help or acknowledgment has been given to this industry throughout COVID. Personally, my own partner spent 8 months in WA without coming home. Ppl told us to be grateful he was employed (
) which we are but him and the 10k others need certainty going 4wd
) which we are but him and the 10k others need certainty going 4wd
“Affected WA companies will need to source their workforce from states other than NSW”
Do you understand the pressure and safety issues this puts companies under? Skill shortages are coming in thick and fast and with less skilled workers and more green workers the more workplace accidents will arise.
It beggars belief how the McGowan Government can promise this, be handed an opportunity to deliver on a silver platter and fail miserably. I don’t know what you have against interstate fifo workers but we won’t be bullied into being puppets in your re-election campaign.
“By relocating to WA permanently, we can further support WA small businesses and continue to grow our economy as we continue the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.” https://www.australianmining.com.au/news/west-is-best-wa-premier-tells-fifo-workers/
While the bulk of Chevron's workforce is WA-based, Inpex, Woodside and Shell's operations in the state rely on interstate FIFO-workers, as does Jadestone's. https://www.energynewsbulletin.net/covid-19/news/1390659/victoria-fifo-ban-leaves-wa-industry-scrambling
At the beginning of the pandemic it was less stringent to get in as a FIFO worker, you could with 14 days quarantine. Now they have realised how politically advantageous it is to keep FIFO workers out, they’ve made it harder. I can’t understand how almost a year later
when we know so much more about COVID, we are facing harsher restrictions - “FIFO workers have an exemption that allows them to enter the state. They are also allowed to bring their families with them, however, they will all be required to quarantine for 14 days”
https://www.miningmonthly.com/covid-19/news/1384445/dealing-with-wa’s-hard-border-fifo-restrictions
