The advertiser, known only as Simon’ defended his stipulation, which was written in capitals, saying he was sick of Irish people applying for jobs they couldn’t do.
The Irish Independent newspaper reacted to the ad, rporting it was “in language reminiscent of the discrimination against the Irish in British cities in the 1950s”.
The Australian embassy in Ireland has now been forced defend the country’s commitment to diversity and racial tolerance.
The ad posted on the website Gumtree stated: “Bricklayer needed ASAP. $250 a day, no part-time workers and NO IRISH”.
The ad has since been removed, but Simon did not back down.
He told the Irish Independent: “I have no trouble with Irish people, but I’ve had to fire a number of people. I’ve had lots of Irish people say they have experience bricklaying but com over and have no clue how to lay bricks.
“I’m very busy and I don’t have time to be watching over them.”
The Australian embassy was forced to issue a statement after being contacted by the newspaper.
It said: “The Government has an unwavering commitment to a multicultural Australia and greatly welcomes the contribution made by people of all backgrounds, regardless of origin, gender, or colour, to Australia’s culture, society, and prosperity.”
A spokesman added Australia’s no-tolerance stance on discrimination was reflected in a broad range of anti-discrimination legislation.
Orla Tunney of the Irish Embassy in Canberra said they were concerned about the ad, but insisted discrimination against Irish people in Australia is rare.
“We very often receive positive feedback about the level of education and training of Irish workers and their ability to adapt well to
Australian workplaces.”
The economic downturn in Ireland has led to a surge of Irish emigrating to Australia.
The numbers of Irish on a working holiday visa has risen from 12,500 to 23,000 over the past five years.
