A number of South Australian industry bodies have presented a joint submission to the Federal General Skilled Migration and series 400 visa review in an effort to improve immigration outcomes to South Australia.
The initiative, prompted by Migration Solutions, consists of nine local industry bodies, representing sectors such as construction, hospitality, agriculture and training.
The major aims of the coalition are to re-introduce a regional migration programme that would help address skill shortages, particularly in regional areas.
Also requested is a broadening of the range of occupations eligible for the Skilled Occupations List, which is more flexible and responsive to changes in the local labour market.
South Australia attracted just over 3 per cent of the national 457 program last year, as well as 6 per cent of the general skilled migration program, 4 per cent of family visas and 5 per cent of the student visa program.
“It’s great to see so many major South Australian industry bodies on the same page when it comes to the need for a greater share of the national migration programme in our State,” said Migration Solutions Managing Director, Mark Glazbrook.
“Hopefully by presenting a united front to this latest Federal Skilled Migration review, South Australia will have a chance to have its voice heard, and prompt significant changes to be made in order to allow greater economic growth and expansion in our State.”
An article from the Adelaide Advertiser on the coalition can also be seen here.
