Senior executives at Qantas could trade their high-profile positions to work as ground handlers as part of a plan to combat labour shortages.
The embattled airline's chief operating officer Colin Hughes told staff in an internal memo they are seeking expressions of interest for a contingency program over a three-month period.
Visa changes from 1 July will offer skilled workers new pathways to permanent residency, more places for working holiday makers and the chance for graduates impacted by COVID-19 border closures to make up for their time locked out of Australia.
Ben Watt, a lawyer with migration agents VisaEnvoy, said the changes presented “exciting” prospects for some, with a focus on supporting the economic recovery from COVID-19.
Ukraine nationals seeking refuge in Australia have been offered new visa options to ensure short and long-term pathways stay open to those fleeing the Russian invasion.
Immigration Minister Andrew Giles announced the decision days before a temporary humanitarian visa scheme introduced by the Morrison government ends on 31 July.
Reza Rostami is grateful for the protection given to him by Australia.
Nine years ago he and his young family were on a perilous boat journey from Indonesia, organised by a people smuggler, during which his 18-month-old daughter nearly died. She hadn’t eaten for four days and stopped breathing. But life hasn't been easy for the psychologist, 53, and his family, since they fled Iran.
As COVID-19 cases continue across the globe, an intriguing phenomenon has emerged, including in Australia.
Some people have been able to dodge the disease despite close exposure to infected cases, including isolating at home with family members and friends who are unwell.
The NSW agency charged with preparing the state for natural disasters clearly failed the community during this year's catastrophic floods and should be axed, the opposition says.
Resilience NSW caused more problems than it solved and Labor supported parliamentary inquiry recommendations it be dismantled, NSW Labor Leader Chris Minns said.
