Holders of temporary work visa holders employed in Goulburn and district fear they will miss out on federal government financial support available to permanent residents.
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Tek Pandey, who has been working as a cook in Goulburn for the past two years, said he was worried about how he and wife, Jyoti, would survive beyond the four weeks' annual leave he was using up.
"I can't think what to do but I'm lucky I have some savings," he said.
"If only they deducted my rent, that would be a help."
Mr Pandey has nothing but praise for his employer, The Tattersalls Hotel, for whom he came to work in 2018 under a sponsorship arrangement. The shift to a regional area was part of the terms of his 457 visa but he was happy to do so.
However when The Tatts closed due to the coronavirus restrictions last week, along with pubs, clubs and restaurants around Australia, he was left in limbo.
While his colleagues can apply for a range of welfare support, his qualification for the same financial help remains unclear.
He moved to Australia from Nepal in 2009, looking to broaden his horizons.
"Australia is a good place with a great lifestyle," he said.
"I wanted to be a good cook and it's been a good place to learn. The people are friendly and it's a secure place."
He was firstly on a student visa and later worked for an Italian restaurant in Abbotsford, followed by a cafe.
At The Tatts, the 30-year-old has worked fulltime, while Jyoti has been employed as a cleaner at The Astor, across the road. Both are now temporarily out of work due to the government's coronavirus regulations.
Mr Pandey said his employer, Peter Griffiths, had been very supportive and had reassured workers not to worry about their financial futures.
"It's hard to find a good boss," he said.
Neverthless, with no assured re-opening time, he and several of his Goulburn friends, who are also 457 visa holders, are looking for assistance.
"I like it here and want to stay," he said.
"Goulburn is a good place to live and the people are friendly....I love cooking. It makes me happy from the inside, especially when people say they love my food."
Mr Pandey was worried the shutdown would delay his recently lodged application for permanent residency.
Hume MP Angus Taylor has not confirmed any specific help available to 457 visa holders.
"These are challenging times for small businesses and their employees and we are doing all that we can to support people through this, he said in a statement.
"Temporary visa holders, including temporary skilled workers, are being considered within the context of the government's coronavirus response.
"I would encourage anyone seeking information about the support available to them to get in touch with my office or visit Australia.gov.au."
It is also unclear whether Mr Pandey will benefit from the government's JobKeeper program, announced on Monday, which would give eleigible employers a $1500/fortnight wage subsidy for each worker.
The Post has requested comment from The Tattersalls Hotel manager.
Goulburn Multicultural Centre declined comment on whether it was acting for other people in the same situation as Mr Pandey.
Meantime, the confusion over visa entitlements due to the coronavirus regulations are not affecting Southern Meats abattoir.
General manager Craig Newton said 12 Chinese people on mainly backpacker visas were employed at the facility and would be eligible for entitlements if coronavirus sparked a shutdown. The abattoir is however an 'essential service, employing 240 to 250 people.
Southern Meats, owned by the West Australian Meat Marketing Co-op, closed for one week in early March to build livestock numbers.
Mr Newton said sheep numbers were tight and prices at a historical high, but the abattoir was back operating. He told The Post it was yet to be seen how coronavirus would affect the export market but so far there was no impact on supermarket demand in the US and Canada.
"But the food service area (restaurants etc) will impact...This won't be over in a hurry," he said.
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Louise Thrower
If you have a story to tell, drop me a line at louise.thrower@austcommunitymedia.com.au or call 0418 229 678.
If you have a story to tell, drop me a line at louise.thrower@austcommunitymedia.com.au or call 0418 229 678.
