Here is a look at what is making news around the country today.
Today’s national news includes a Bali travel warning issued to Australians, an Australian writer given a suspended death sentence in China, an agriculture visa could be the solution to worker crisis, and Mineral Resources offers free flights and six-figure salaries for FIFO workers.
Nation
Australian writer given suspended death sentence in China
Australian writer Yang Hengjun has been given a suspended death sentence by a Chinese court, five years after he was arrested and accused of spying the BBC has reported. Australian officials said the sentence may be commuted to life imprisonment after two years. Foreign Minister Penny Wong has summoned China’s Ambassador to Australia for an explanation, and said the government would be “communicating” its response to Beijing in “the strongest terms”.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-68201475
Economy
Agriculture visa could be the solution to worker crisis
Jobs and Skills Australia acting commissioner David Turvey says overseas agricultural labourers could be included under a new visa for lower-paid employees to fill workforce deficits that are placing a “handbrake” on economic growth, The Australian reported. There were 261,200 advertised vacancies last month, reflecting a softening of the job market after the number of jobs fell 5.8 per cent over last year. Currently, 36 per cent of occupations are in shortage, with 50 per cent of trades being affected by a deficit of skilled workers along with 48 per cent of professional jobs.
Business
Mineral Resources offers free flights, six-figure salaries for FIFO workers
Mineral Resources hopes the offer of weekly return flights, generous salaries and ‘resort style’ accommodation can help fill the hundreds of vacant positions at two mines in the Pilbara, News.com.au has reported. MinRes’ general manager of people facilities, Bethanie Ibrahim said the free flights would save workers a day of travel and the money they usually spent on commercial airlines. The company is also constructing two resorts at Onslow Iron, which are billed as having rooms three times the size of traditional FIFO accommodation, an Olympic swimming pool and fitness centres.
Travel
Bali travel warning issued to Australians
Australian travellers are being warned to exercise a high degree of caution as close neighbour Indonesia, the world’s third-largest democracy, heads to the polls next week in a high-stakes election, the Daily Mail reported. Smart Traveller, the Australian government’s advisory service, stated on Monday that ‘frequent political rallies and possible protests’ were likely to occur in the lead-up to polling day, which will see more than 200 million Indonesians vote for their next president.
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