Certificate of " Sex Proficiency " ?

The subject of 457 Visas has taken a turn into a new direction.   The Australian sex industry is demanding that foreign sex workers be allowed into Australia to meet unfulfilled demand.   So far, the Immigration Department is refusing.

The 457 issue has long been a point of contention.   It originated as a means of finding workers in situations where Australian workers fell short of the numbers required.    At present, there are 624 job categories listed as " acceptable " when applications are made, but there is suspicion that the scheme is being rorted.   Foreign workers invited into the country are gratefull and some employers think they work harder and make fewer demands than local employees.

The Australian Sex Workers Association, known as the " Scarlet Alliance " raises the issue of " skills ".   The present 624 approved job categories include therapists, cooks, gardeners, dog handlers, fashion designers - and many more in which skill levels are " doubtful ".   The Scarlet Alliance claims that providing satisfying sex is a skilled profession.

The sticking point seems to be the lack of a diploma or a degree to grade the proficiency of individual sex workers.   This seems grossly unfair when many of the jobs listed as acceptable for 457 visas would be hard pressed to claim a tertiary level of skill - or prove efficiency of delivery beyond that of an " enthusiastic amateur ".

And so it goes with sex.    Everybody has to start somewhere, and in this country we seem to lack such a course at TAFE or university.

Another objection that will certainly arise - is the matter of worker shortage.   The very nature of 457 visas was to plug the gap where jobs offering went unfulfilled. Are we lacking sufficient sex workers to meet demand ?    Since the sex trade achieved legality, have we ever accurately counted the numbers ?

The decision makers will be uncomfortable with the sex trade decision needed, but the Scarlet Alliance does have a point.   We know that many unsuspecting Asian women are lured into Australia with the promise of ordinary jobs, and then forced into sexual slavery.    The weapon that forces their compliance is usually the fact that they are illegals - and have no rights.

Immigration should look at this question seriously - and perhaps the Education system needs a re-think too !    In this country the level of skill attained is directly linked to salaries earned.

That probably also applies to the sex industry !