Urgent Need for Skilled Workers in Western Australia: 10,000 Migrants Requested | Australia Immigration News
The Roger Cook Government has made an urgent appeal to the Federal Government, requesting an increase in skilled migration numbers to Western Australia (WA). Following a significant reduction in allocated visas under the Commonwealth migration program, the state is pushing for an influx of 10,000 skilled workers in the upcoming 2024-25 period.
This request comes after the allocation was dramatically reduced from 8,140 in the previous year to just 2,350 for the current financial year, despite a pressing demand for skilled labor in various sectors.
WA's population is projected to reach three million by the end of 2024, intensifying the need for skilled workers to support critical infrastructure and specialized industries, particularly in construction and healthcare. Jobs high on the priority list include bricklayers, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, surveyors, and healthcare workers.
Government's Stance
Training and Workforce Development Minister Simone McGurk emphasized the necessity of skilled migration to fill job vacancies and maintain economic strength. “We are committed to creating local jobs for local people, but skilled migration is also a necessary part of the mix to fill vacancies and keep our economy strong,” McGurk stated. She highlighted that small and medium-sized businesses particularly rely on attracting skilled workers to sustain operations.
Premier's Appeal
Premier Roger Cook has been vocal about the issue, pointing out that previous requests for increased migration allocations have been ignored. He reiterated the state's need for a larger allocation to meet the growing demands of WA’s economy and housing industry. “Everyone knows WA is the engine room of the economy and vastly different from the eastern States,” Cook said. He urged the Commonwealth to restore the State Nominated Migration Program (SNMP) allocation to allow WA to prioritize and nominate eligible skilled migrants effectively.
Economic and Business Support
CCIWA economist Aaron Morey backed the government's appeal, stressing that the shortage of skilled workers remains a primary concern for WA businesses. Morey called on the Federal Government to respond to WA’s request, underlining the critical need for skilled migration to support local businesses and the broader economy.
The WA Government remains determined to secure the skilled workforce necessary for the state’s continued growth and prosperity. As the ‘engine room’ of the nation, WA’s appeal for an increased migration quota is seen as crucial to filling job vacancies that cannot be met by the current local workforce.
By addressing the skilled worker shortage, the Cook Government aims to ensure that WA remains competitive and capable of sustaining its economic growth and development.
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