In fact, this story is being heard throughout the country. There is no silver bullet, but there are levers we need to pull.
In May, job vacancies in Australia reached a record of 480,000. Labour shortage is not a new problem, especially after the arrival of COVID-19, but all options need to be on the table to meet the serious demand.
I hear over and over again from desperate small business owners about how they cannot find workers. Business owners and employees are working unsustainable hours, farmers are struggling to attract labour, tradies have long wait times and we all know if you need a doctor you will wait weeks for an appointment. It’s really tough.
First, solutions need to include simplifying the visa system – and a reduction in processing times. I’ve been calling for this for some time. Streamlining our visa system will make us more competitive in the global skills market.
As Business Council of Australia chief executive Jennifer Westacott said this week, we need to “outcompete others in the fierce global battle to attract the best talent and skills”.
We also need boots on the ground for unskilled roles. Which is why Labor’s decision to scrap the agriculture visa (all but in name) is baffling.
On an encouraging note, more than 21,500 workers have arrived in Australia since the Pacific Labour Mobility Scheme began in May. The Coalition in office worked hard to attract these workers.
Second, we must continue to invest in home-grown skills. Under the Coalition, a record 220,000 Aussies were in trade apprenticeships.
The budget that the Coalition delivered earlier this year supported an additional 800,000 training places for school leavers and job seekers. It’s now up to Labor to build upon that.
It is pleasing that Federal Skills Minister Brendan O’Connor supports the Coalition’s twofold approach to workforce shortage through migration and investment in trades and apprenticeships. Now, Labor must deliver on their plan, so small business, health services and trades can deliver for their communities.
