18 December 2007

Skills shortage drives up salaries and benefits for Australian visa holders

The skills shortage is pushing up salaries and benefits as employers fight to attract staff, according to the latest report by the Australian Treasury. Australian immigration for qualified and experienced workers is welcomed by employers.

The Treasury undertook an extensive consultation between May and October this year. It interviewed major employers, including businesses, industry groups and government organisations. It found they are very concerned about the difficulty of finding skilled workers.

Accountants, store managers, logistics experts, radiologists are only a few of the skilled Australian immigrants in demand. New policies encouraging parents of young children into part-time work is leading to a shortage of child care workers.

The report considers employers' views on current Australian economic conditions and predictions for 2008. Many businesses said they want to expand but the shortage of skilled workers is proving an obstacle. The report recommended the new Labor government address the skills shortages and infrastructure investment needs in Australia.

Australia welcomes skilled migrants: Anyone applying for an Australia skilled visa should begin by completing the Australian Visa Bureau's online Australian visa application to see if they meet the Australian visa requirements.