Migrant workers filling gaps left by 'lazy' Aussies in 'menial low paid' service sector

Canberra, Jan 28(ANI): A new underclass is developing in Australia, with a gamut of professional services in the service sector being managed by migrant workers, including Indians.

The development marks a departure from the past when Australia was known for its work ethic.

Experts said the lucrative mining jobs are luring young Australian workers employed in traditional fields such as retail and hospitality.

"I hate to say it but there seems to be a sense of entitlement among younger Australians.

They believe jobs in the service industry are too menial or too low paid and they have been brought up to believe they are destined for something better instead of starting from the bottom and working their way up as generations did before them," news.com.au quoted Australia's Tourism Accommodation chief Rodger Powell, as saying.

Australia's Immigration Minister Chris Bowen said the government is considering importing 36,000 cooks, waiters and bartenders by 2015.

Under the plan, tourism and hospitality employers would be able to bring in foreign workers on two to three year visas to work in the country.

A majority of employees in Australia's car washing sector also are foreigners.

Indian accounting student Sanjay Kumar, who works part time at the Baywash Carwash in Summer Hill, said the job helps him to meet the high living costs in Australia

"It's expensive here and I need the money so I wash cars to help but I love doing my job. Everyone is nice," he said.

A spokeswoman for the cleaning union, United Voice, admitted that these employees are among the worst-treated workers in the country.

Australia's Transport and Tourism Forum chief executive John Lee said employing foreigners in the service sector was a global phenomenon, as migrants and working travellers are the only people who are "willing to get their hands dirty".(ANI)