If NBN Co chief Bill Morrow is looking a little concerned lately, it’s not because of delays to the NBN rollout (it’s actually picked up the pace).
It’s because he’s at least slightly concerned that he may be facing deportation, he told radio station 3AW this week.
Deportation? Not NBN builder Bill, surely. But, yes, it turns out US-born Morrow, pictured, is working in Australia on a 437 visa – a work-form which the Turnbull Government is reviewing with a view to cutting the numbers of non-Australians working Down Under and possibly taking jobs away from dinkum Aussies. And, remember, Bill did replace a dinkum Aussie, Mike Quigley.
Morrow’s work permit expires next year. He can apply for an extension and– so long as the NBN rollout continues to roll along at a reasonable clip – it might well be renewed.
But Bill told 3AW he is apprehensive. “The experts tell me I shouldn’t have anything to worry about, but – like anyone on a 457 – I fell in love with Australia,” he said. “Until (I reapply) I do have a little bit of nervousness.”
Of course, Bill, you could always apply for citizenship . . .
