03 March 2008

Australia immigration could be used to solve house building industry shortage

People who take advantage of Australia immigration could be used to solve the skills shortage in the housing construction industry in Australia, in plans being considered by the government. Kevin Rudd, Prime Minister, has said that 20,000 skilled workers will be needed over the next three years to build the extra 90,000 houses needed in Australia.

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has called on the government to introduce a new visa system in order to bring in the workers needed through Australia immigration. Mr Rudd admitted this plan was being considered, saying: "The government recognises a role for skilled migration in addressing skills shortages, having recently expanded the skilled migration program." There are currently a wide range of visas which people can move to Australia using, including Australian spouse and family visas and the Australian sponsored visa.

HIA is Australia's largest residential building association and claims to be the voice of the Australian home building industry.

Australia needs housing industry workers: Anyone applying for an Australian visa should begin by completing the Australian Visa Bureau's online Australian visa application to see if they meet the Australian visa requirements.