Australian skills shortage programme lists almost 750 occupations

As controversy continues over Australia’s 457 visa programme, the size of the list at almost 750 different occupations is being criticised by workplace experts.

The occupations listed include grape grower, caravan park manager, potter and singer, all occupations which, according to labour market experts, could easily be filled by local people. The same experts have made representation to government over the legislation, stating that the size and content of the list encourages rorting and should be cut.

The new legislation will be voted on by the Australian parliament next Tuesday, and a senate report issued on 24 June has recommended the new laws. The government, however, insists that the scheme will deter further misuse of the skilled worker visa issued to temporary workers.

The new law was put forward by the Immigration Minister, Brendan O’Connor, and includes compulsory activities such as local advertising by employers in order to prove any job was first offered to Australian nationals. Ombudsman inspectors will police any rorting of the scheme, and 457 visa-holders who lose their sponsorships will be given 90 days rather than the current 28 to find a new job and sponsor.

Australian business groups are against the new law on the grounds that it will cost employers extra, with head of the Australian Industry Group Innes Willox saying that evidence of misuse by rorting was only found in a tiny number of cases. The most-wanted skilled workers are still IT and communications experts, followed by heathcare professionals, legal personnel and mining staff.