Racing Victoria has approached the Federal Government with a raft of proposals designed to provide a solution to the chronic … some would say critical … staff shortage facing the racing industry.
It is not just in Victoria of course. On-going advertisements looking for people to fill a variety of stable staffing requirements in every state is a constant call, underling the difficulty of the situation which, unless resolved, can only impact negatively on the individual stables coming under staffing pressure and the industry as a whole.
But Racing Victoria at least has being proactive by writing to the Federal Government in an attempt to bring the government’s attention to the issue and to get them to recognise its importance, particularly, given the changing face of the employment market in recent times.
With the significant reshuffle of the playing cards that has taken place in that sector due to the Covid outbreak, the employment market is now more competitive than ever.
As reported on Racing.com, Andrew Jones, the CEO of Racing Victoria, wrote to Andrew Giles, the Immigration Minister, asking for, amongst other things, that the government adds stable staff and trackwork riders to the “medium to long term sponsorship list” that gives staff an option of a four-year visa and can work towards a permanent visa.
Other ‘requests’ included, … an amendment of visa restrictions to remove restrictions of staff working only one employee … changes to the conditions of working/holiday visas … and the streamlining of the process for employers looking to sponsor international workers.
These proposals have been put forward by Racing Victoria after consultation with the Australian Trainers Association.
As quoted on racing.com, Jones stated that in seeking a solution to the staffing problem … both in the short term and the long term … “We (Racing Victoria) have a three point plan: Immigration, Education and Working Conditions.
“On Immigration, we have written to the Federal Immigration Minister seeking changes to key visa categories to allow more qualified and prospective stable-hands and track riders to work in Australia.
“On Education we are funding a range of training programs to help people enter the racing industry, such as Stable Start for stable-hands and Slow Trackwork Riding to transition recreational riders to full trackwork. We are also exploring various initiatives with Jobs Victoria, Skillinvest, Universities and Registered Training Organisations.
“On Working Conditions we are hoping to trial later access to turf tracks at one or more training tracks over summer and exploring a number of other ideas to ensure a career in racing is appealing to Victorians young and old.
“Our message to participants is that we are aware of the issue and will work closely with you to solve it.”
