22 April 2008

IT committee looks to Australian immigration to solve skills shortage

A new committee has been set up to use Australian immigration to solve IT skills shortages in one state. The Western Australian state government has set up the group to tackle the shortage of workers in the information and communications technology (ICT) industry. Francis Logan, the state's Industry and Enterprise Minister, said: "The ICT industry underpins everything we do and the future is strong here in WA”.

Mr Logan went on to comment: "[The Australian ICT Industry’s] sustained growth depends on having enough skilled employees and this new committee will hopefully identify opportunities to help skill the industry." Recently, a Queensland IT firm has revealed it will be looking to Australian immigration to fill its 100 positions. Included in the group will be representatives from universities, careers advisors, industry associations and the Department of Education and Training. Valerie Maxville, chair of the ICT Industry Collaboration Centre, said the centre will look at "promoting ICT, teaching ICT and the retention and attraction of ICT staff".

Australia needs IT professionals: 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.