Manufacturing and other industries facing workforce shortages need a stable and efficient skilled migration system, according to the Australian Industry Group (Ai Group), which has called for reforms to improve visa processing and skills recognition.
In a media release, Ai Group chief executive Innes Willox said skilled migration remained important to addressing workforce shortages across manufacturing, housing, infrastructure, health, aged care and emerging industries.
“Skilled migration is essential to addressing workforce shortages across housing, infrastructure, manufacturing, health, aged care and emerging industries,” Willox said.
The employer association has made four recommendations to the Joint Standing Committee on Migration’s Inquiry into the Value of Skilled Migration to Australia, including maintaining the permanent skilled migration intake at current levels.
It has also called for streamlined skills recognition, licensing and credential recognition for critical shortage occupations, more predictable and timely visa processing, particularly under the Skills in Demand and Subclass 186 programs, and a public communication strategy explaining the role of skilled migration.
Willox said Australia could not meet current and future workforce requirements through domestic training alone.
“Skilled migration complements investment in local skills and helps ensure businesses can deliver the housing, infrastructure, manufacturing and energy projects that Australians depend on,” he said.
Ai Group said the focus should be on improving the effectiveness of the existing system rather than reducing skilled migration while workforce shortages persisted.
“Australia needs a skilled migration system that is stable, targeted and efficient,” Willox said.
“Reducing skilled migration at a time of persistent workforce shortages would put further pressure on housing delivery, major infrastructure projects and business investment.”
The association said faster visa processing, streamlined recognition of overseas qualifications and greater public understanding of skilled migration could strengthen the system.
Willox said Ai Group would continue to contribute to the inquiry and work with the Government on measures aimed at supporting “long-term economic resilience and competitiveness.”
