MAY 12, 2015 \ MACEDONRANGES.STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
(Shawn Smits)
NEWS + SPORT + PROPERTY GUIDE
Jab Fido and beat virus Sunbury pet owners are urged to make sure their dogs are protected against a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease. Young puppies and dogs that have never been vaccinated are susceptible to canine parvovirus, which is spread by oral or nasal contact and causes lethargy, vomiting and diarrhoea. An Australian Veterinary Association spokesman says death occurs in about 80 per cent of untreated cases. Melbourne’s north-west has been a hotspot for the disease in previous years. Sunbury vet David Brown, of All Creatures Veterinary Clinic, says the virus has not been a major problem this year but warns it is extremely resistant and can be present in parks or backyards for many months. “The best defence is making sure your dog is properly vaccinated,’’ Dr Brown says. “People who are buying puppies must ensure that they have had all the right shots.’’ Matt Crossman
VET NURSE PHILIPA SILVERI WITH TARNEE
Visa work takes jobs: MP By Matt Crossman Temporary working visas have opened the floodgates to cheap overseas labour, making it hard for unskilled jobseekers in regional areas such as Kyneton, according to Bendigo MP Lisa Chesters. The federal politician said the ‘‘cheap and addictive’’ working visa system was a double-edged sword undermining local workers and creating an underclass of temporary overseas employees. In a submission to a Senate inquiry, Ms
Chesters said regional food processors, including Hardwicks abattoirs at Kyneton, were increasingly using workers on temporary visas to fill shifts. ‘‘Historically, these companies have provided large-scale employment for the region and have an important role in providing casual and unskilled work for a significant number of people who have limited employment options,’’ she said. ‘‘I hear almost daily from constituents, young and old, who either had their shifts cut or have been unable to get work at all.’’
With youth unemployment in the electorate at close to 18 per cent, Ms Chesters said the widespread use of overseas workers was unacceptable. ‘‘Temporary work visa programs are significantly increasing unemployment in our region and across Australia,’’ she said. Ms Chesters said alarming reports were coming out of food processing operations in the electorate. She said people on temporary working visas were less likely to submit incident reports or protest about conditions, and she
called for a major revamp of the visa system. ‘‘I would like to see a solution that ensures all workers are given equal pay and conditions,’’ Ms Chesters said. ‘‘This would prevent the local workforce being undercut by workers who are underpaid and vulnerable to exploitation.’’ Hardwicks, which employs about 300 people across morning, afternoon and night shifts, did not respond to requests for comment. A Senate inquiry report on working visas is due late next month.
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