AREEA Chief Executive Steve Knott last week represented resources and energy employers at the latest advisory meeting on skilled migration.
An opportunity to guide and further develop future skilled migration policy, Mr Knott joined industry, union and government representatives for the Ministerial Advisory Council on Skilled Migration (MACSM) meeting.
Hot topics were the soon-to-be launched Global Talent Scheme, with Mr Knott highlighting the importance of supplementary international labour to fulfil increased skills demand on resources and energy projects, driven by an uplift in market conditions.
The Global Talent Scheme, which was announced in March to fill industry gaps left by reforms to the temporary skilled migration programs, will be piloted from 1 July, 2018.
“The cyclical nature of the resources and energy industry means employers facing skills challenges will require access to a responsible and responsive skilled migration framework in Australia,” Mr Knott said.
“This was seen during the investment and construction boom up to 2012, where a small number of highly skilled internationals were required to work alongside Australian workers to build nationally significant projects. With our industry picking up pace again, we need to get the balance on skilled migration right.”
AREEA will continue to report on the experiences of members on how the combination of the Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) (subclass 482) visa and Global Talent Scheme is meeting industry demands and supplementing the vast number of Australian nationals already working on resources and energy projects.
Other key skilled migration developments included further reforms to the temporary visa scheme, new labour market testing requirements and the announcement in May this year of mandatory employer contributions to the Skilling Australians Fund.
MACSM is a tripartite body providing advice to the Minister and Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection on Australia’s temporary and permanent skilled migration programmes and associated matters.
