Abstract
This chapter draws on interviews with FIFO workers to examine the motivations informing the decision to undertake such work. Through these ‘insider’ voices a complex picture emerges in which a range of material and lifestyle aspirations, including increased wealth and associated opportunities for ‘getting ahead,’ emerge in many cases as central, but also challenging and shifting, goals. Interviewees highlight the ways in which the nature of FIFO work and attendant personal and family compromises, along with broader cultural expectations, contribute to a somewhat paradoxical situation in which workers no longer feel that FIFO work is a choice. The FIFO experience is one that shows clearly the curse–cure dualism that characterises Western Australia’s mining boom.
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- 1.
A cultural and/or socio-economic group distantly related to ‘rednecks’ and ‘chavs’.
- 2.
Fluorescent safety vest.
- 3.
The author’s search of online advertised jobs suggests that the vast majority of FIFO positions require some combination of professional qualifications, specialised skills and/or previous FIFO experience.
- 4.
All participant names have been changed.
- 5.
Dongas are small demountable accommodation blocks common on Australian mine sites.
- 6.
Nine drinks before 9 p.m.
- 7.
An insulated food and drink container.
- 8.
An Australian government-provided study benefit.
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Palmer, R. (2014). The Money Trail: An Exploration of Perspectives on Money and Materialism in FIFO Employment. In: Brueckner, M., Durey, A., Mayes, R., Pforr, C. (eds) Resource Curse or Cure ?. CSR, Sustainability, Ethics & Governance. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-53873-5_7
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