The government has released its new list of occupations eligible for temporary skilled migration to Australia, sparking mixed reactions from industry groups.
The Core Occupations List (CSOL), released Tuesday, covers 456 jobs, including construction, agriculture, cybersecurity, health and education – from carpenters and masons to psychologists, private tutors, software engineers, bakers and beauticians. .
The list is designed to attract skilled migrants “who will make a significant contribution to the Australian economy”, the government says, in situations where the country faces local shortages.
“The Government is committed to tackling the skills shortage, particularly in the construction sector,” Immigration Minister Tony Burke said.
“This is an important step in attracting skilled workers to help build more homes.”
Also included in the CSOL are stonemasons, carpenters, painters, floor finishers and electricians, among others.
The CSOL is based on labor market analysis and consultations undertaken by the government agency Jobs and Skills Australia.
This is a measure taken by the government following the publication of reform the country’s migration system, including replacing “complex, outdated and inflexible occupational lists” in the temporary skilled visa program.
The list will apply to the Core Skills stream ofwhich will replace the temporary skills shortage (subclass 482) on December 7.
More details on this visa are expected soon, according to the Interior Ministry website.
The CSOL will also apply to the Direct Entry stream of the Permanent Visa of the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).
Mixed reactions as some professions are excluded from the list
It follows the release of a which sparked criticism from the construction and trade sectors.
In June, the chief executive of Master Builders Australia (MBA) said she was “baffled” by the proposal, which is expected to include more trades, especially as Australia grapples with a housing shortage.
After Tuesday’s release, MBA said the building and construction industry was wondering why key machine operator positions were not on the list.
“Master Builders is pleased that some of our concerns have been heard through the inclusion of key trades like bricklayers, plumbers and tilers,” Wawn said.
“However, we remain dismayed that in the midst of a housing crisis and chronic labor shortage, key roles in the industry have been left off the list.
“You cannot build a house, schools, hospitals or roads without the operators of cranes, bulldozers and excavators, who have not succeeded.”
Property Council chief executive Mike Zorbas said the reworked occupation list, alongside the government’s focus on more TAFE training, could help address the skills shortage in the construction sector.
However, Australia’s peak body for restaurants, cafes and caterers, Restaurant & Catering Australia, has expressed concerns about the removal of some key hospitality staff from the list.
“The Australian government has not gone far enough to include key restaurant and cafe staff, with managers, waiters and baristas being sacked,” said R&CA chief executive Suresh Manickam.
“Our industry prides itself on service, and it’s difficult to provide service when you don’t have staff.”
At the same time, the Business Council of Australia welcomed which he believes will help address skills shortages across the economy.
Chief Executive Bran Black said solving the skills crisis required appropriate training frameworks for Australian workers and ensuring migration frameworks were in place to address the gaps.
“We always want to see Australians gain the right skills to access job opportunities in growing and new sectors, but we are currently facing significant labor shortages and the changes announced today will help to fill the gaps.”
Citing Jobs and Skills Australia, MBA said all 15 key building and construction occupational groups are in shortage at a national or state/territory level.
“The evidence speaks for itself: all occupational groups in the building and construction industry remain in shortage and should be on the list,” Wawn said.
