Controversial visas sought for foreign workers at Cricket World Cup

The Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA) is concerned that the company contracted to broadcast the Cricket World Cup may be attempting to breach Australia’s tough migration regulations.
Singapore-based Broadcast Solutions is reportedly seeking Indian and South African camera operators to broadcast the event and requesting these workers apply for the Temporary Work (Short Stay Activity) visa (subclass 400).

MEAA’s director of crew and sport, Mal Tulloch, says: “MEAA is not aware of Broadcast Solutions making a genuine attempt to engage local crew. This is a serious concern. Australian crew pride themselves on delivering quality broadcasts of some of the biggest sporting events in the world to Australian and international viewers. They should be given the first opportunity to work at a local event.”

MEAA has urged Broadcast Solutions to engage as many local crews as possible. If there is still a need for skilled foreign workers, those workers should be paid no less than the Australian Award rates.

Every recent sporting event including the Asian Cup, Tour Down Under and the Australian Open, all engaged Australian crew and in the few instances where overseas broadcast personnel were required, they travelled on 420 visas and were remunerated in line with Australian standards.

A petition has been set up by concerned MEAA members. Please take the time to sign here: http://meaa.io/1zsRnSs

The World Cup will be played across Australia and New Zealand in February and March 2015.