Continuing the conversation on skilled migration
Access to skilled professionals is an imperative for the resources sector, and a challenge made yet more acute amidst the ongoing disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Professional recognition and mobility are core focus areas for AusIMM, and we have long advocated for skilled migration programs that play an effective and responsive role within the broader resources workforce. Addressing critical skills shortages, ensuring access to experts in emerging disciplines and enhancing professional mobility are critical to ensure our sector can continue delivering for the community.
AusIMM’s advocacy for a needs-responsive skilled migration framework includes engagement with agencies and officials across Federal Government. For example, AusIMM recently met with the National Skills Commission to discuss the key data and information sources required for assessing and forecasting workforce trends in our sector.
On Monday 9 August, the Australian Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Migration tabled a report on Australia’s skilled migration program, with recommendations including that:
- National Workforce Plan: Government build on the work of the National Skills Commission to coordinate action across all levels of Government to address persistent skills shortages.
- Occupation and Skills Identification: The National Skills Commission consults with industry to develop a more contemporary occupation and skills identification system.
- Consolidation: Government consolidate the various skilled migration lists currently in force within Australia, as covered in a recent AusIMM Bulletin article.
AusIMM look forward to continuing our engagement with the Australian Government, including the National Skills Commission, to guide the improvement and implementation of the skilled migration system.
We encourage members to review the report from the Joint Standing Committee and reach out to the Trusted Voice team to learn more about our engagement with government via policy@ausimm.com.