Australia Reveals New Skilled Occupations List, Sparking Mixed Reactions
Australia has unveiled its revamped list of skilled occupations, aiming to fill essential jobs across various sectors.
The Core Skills Occupations List (CSOL) comprises 456 key occupations spanning construction, agriculture, cybersecurity, healthcare, and education. The new list is designed to attract skilled migrants who can make a significant contribution to the Australian economy, filling positions where local labor is scarce.
Construction Industry Expresses Mixed Feelings
The construction industry, after expressing concerns about its initial exclusion from the list, has welcomed the inclusion of trades like bricklayers, plumbers, and tilers.
However, the Master Builders Australasia (MBA) has expressed disappointment over the absence of key machine operator positions.
“Master Builders is pleased that some of our concerns have been heard regarding the inclusion of key trades such as bricklayers, plumbers and tilers,” said MBA CEO Denita Wawn.
“However, we remain dismayed that,” she added, “in the midst of a housing crisis and chronic labor shortages, key positions in the sector have been left off the list. You can’t build a house, schools, hospitals, or roads without crane and excavator operators.”
Focus on Training and Migration
While acknowledging labor shortages, the government has emphasized greater investment in skills training through TAFE colleges. This move has received support from the Property Council, which believes improved training can help address the skills gap.restaurant and cafe staff, and has removed managers, waiters and baristas,” said Restaurant & Catering Australia CEO Suresh Manickam.
“Our industry prides itself on service, and it’s difficult to provide service when you don’t have staff.”
Meanwhile, the homeowner’s government continues to refine its reform around the
The Business Council of Australia has also echoed the need for a balanced approach. “We always want Australians to gain the right skills to access job opportunities in new and growing sectors,” said Business Council of Australia CEO Bran Black.
“But right now, we have a significant labor shortage, and the changes announced today will help fill the gaps.”
However, the Restaurant & Catering Australia (CA) remains concerned by the removal of key
Addressing a Multi-faceted Need
“The government is determined to address the skills shortage, particularly in the construction sector,” said Immigration Minister Tony Burke.
“This is an important step in attracting skilled workers to help build more housing.”
The CSOL also includes bricklayers, cabinetmakers, painters, floor repairers, electricians, and similar such skilled tradespeople,
The list is expected to apply to the Core Skills stream of the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482). Details regarding the visa are expected to be released shortly.
The CSOL will also apply to the direct entry visa of the permanent employer nomination system – the Direct Entry stream of the Permanent Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186).
In addition to the CSOL for skilled temporary migrants, reforms were also rewritten to streamline and ameliorateIn uncertain economic times, access to safe and certain pathways are always welcome.
What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of Australia’s new Skilled Occupation List for the Australian economy?
## Australia’s Skilled Worker List Sparks Debate
**[Opening Theme Music]**
**Host:** Welcome back to “Australian Insights”. Today, we’re discussing the recently unveiled Core Skills Occupations List (CSOL), designed to attract skilled migrants to address Australia’s workforce shortages. Joining us is Sarah Jones, a migration expert with the Migration Institute of Australia. Welcome to the program, Sarah.
**Sarah Jones:** Thanks for having me.
**Host:** Now, this new list includes 456 occupations across various sectors, from construction and healthcare to cybersecurity. What are your initial thoughts on its scope and potential impact?
**Sarah Jones:** The CSOL is a vital piece of Australia’s migration strategy. It opens doors for skilled migrants to contribute to key industries facing shortages. It’s encouraging to see the inclusion of a wide range of occupations, reflecting the diverse needs of the Australian economy. [[1](https://www.racc.net.au/single-post/core-skills-occupations-list)]
**Host:** We’ve heard mixed reactions from the construction industry. While they’ve welcomed the inclusion of trades like bricklayers and plumbers, organizations like Master Builders are expressing concern over the omission of machine operators. What’s your take on this?
**Sarah Jones:** It’s understandable that some industries may feel certain crucial roles are missing from the list. The government stresses that this list is a starting point and will be continually reviewed and adapted based on evolving workforce needs.
**Host:** The government is also promoting increased investment in skills training through TAFE colleges. Do you see this as a complementary measure to migration?
**Sarah Jones:** Absolutely. A strong skills training system is essential to create a sustainable pipeline of local talent. It’s a two-pronged approach – attracting skilled migrants to fill immediate gaps while simultaneously investing in the development of our domestic workforce.
**Host:** Sarah, thank you for providing valuable insights into Australia’s new Skilled Occupation List. This is certainly a topic that will continue to be debated and analyzed in the coming months.
**Sarah Jones:** My pleasure.
**[Closing theme music]**