| SKILLS
SHORTAGES IN AUSTRALIA
Australia, along with almost the entire western world, also faces
an ageing population. A few statistics clearly show the magnitude
of the problem. In the year 2000, the population aged between 15
and 64 grew by around 200,000, whilst those aged over 65 grew by
approximately 40,000. By the year 2020, it is estimated that this
balance will shift dramatically, with the 15 to 64 age group growing
by only 40,000 whilst the above 65 group will grow by 120,000.
The greying of our population is set to accelerate and the impact
on the workforce and the added burden of supporting this increasingly
ageing population will affect the economic development of Australia.
Unemployment in Australia is the lowest it has been for 28 years.
Without an accessible labour- force, the opportunity for growth
within the country is severely hampered.
A recent Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) survey
has found that the availability of suitably qualified employees
has become the number one constraint to future investment decisions
for the first time in 14 years. Another survey (eg Sensis) has found
that in Queensland, staff shortages are preventing employers from
making the most of a strong economy.
The National and State Skill Shortage Lists – Australia 2004,
lists skill shortages and skills in demand across Australia. Read
the pdf fact sheet which provides information on statewide,
regional and metropolitan shortages. It also highlights areas where
employers have had difficulty recruiting for positions.
In view of the wide spread of skill shortages, Australia's migrant
intake will be boosted by several thousands in 2005, under further
measures to open the door for more immigrants to enter the country.
The Immigration Minister Amanda Vanstone has announced that an extra
5,000 skilled migrant visas would be granted on the provision that
those people lived and worked in regional areas (for specified period).
These extra 5,000 places are open to those willing to live outside
metropolitan areas, as long as they are sponsored by a state or
territory. This measure will help states and territories to match
migrants to skill shortages and economic needs. In total non-humanitarian
migration program for 2004-05 would be about 120,000.
This provides a good opportunity for those who have the relevant
skills to apply for migration. It is a win win situation for all
parties, based on the modelling by Access Economics, which had estimated
the migration program would contribute more than $4 billion to the
federal Budget over the next four years.
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