The acute shortage of skilled binding and finishing workers in Australia has finally been recognised by the Australian Government which will now make it easier for overseas recruitment to fill these jobs.

Effectively immediately the Binding and Finishing classifications have been added to the Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL) making them the first printing industry occupations to be included.

This List recognises a national shortage and enables skilled workers with occupations on the MODL to receive additional points when applying in the Independent category for permanent residence. Applicants in the Independent category, also known as General Skilled Migration, are required to reach a specified points test before they are eligible to be granted permanent residence in Australia.

Printing Industries National Manager for Policy and Government Affairs, Hagop Tchamkertenian, said the Association had been lobbying the government for some time to include these classifications.

"This inclusion on the MODL confirms that the government has been prepared to listen to our concerns and those of our members who are unable to recruit suitably skilled employees within Australia," he said.  

"Members sponsoring skilled binding and finishing workers will now receive priority processing when lodging applications with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship."

The Australian Government has also announced that the minimum salary level for skilled workers sponsored under the temporary skilled migration (457 visa) program will increase from 1 August 2008. 

The 3.8 per cent increase is based on the Australian Bureau of Statistics all employees earnings increase for November 2006 – November 2007. The new minimum salary levels for skilled workers, excluding Information and Computer Technology occupations which have a higher level, will be increased from $41,850 to $43,440. For employers in regional areas, where concessions apply, the minimum salary level will rise from $37,665 to $39,100.

Each time that the minimum salary levels increase, any skilled workers who are currently in Australia and are being paid the minimum level, must be paid the revised increased level.

The minimum salary levels will not impact on sponsored skilled workers who are being paid in excess in these levels.

Printing Industries' Skilled Migration Adviser, Peter Lovell, said employers also have access to skilled workers in other visa categories which do not require sponsorship such as those having working holiday maker visas; or overseas students who are able to work for 20 hours each week during their course or full time during course breaks.

Printing Industries members with questions or seeking assistance with skilled migration can contact Printing Industries and ask for the Skilled Migration Adviser.

Permanent Resident numbers to increase

In other news affecting skilled migration, the Federal Government has also announcement that over 200,000 people will be granted permanent residence in Australia in 2008-09. Most of those people will be in the skilled stream with 133,500 places; 56,500 in the family stream; and 13,500 in the Humanitarian Program.

The increase in the Migration Program is mostly due to an additional 31,000 places in the skilled stream. The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator the Hon Chris Evans, said this represented a 30 per cent increase on the Migration Program compared to 2007-08. Although it is planned that 133,500 skilled migrants will enter Australia as permanent residents, this figure includes dependants so the actual number of skilled workers is expected to be around 50 per cent of this total or a little less.

More skilled workers will also be coming Australia for temporary residence under employer sponsorship visas with over 100,000 persons expected during 2008-09 though this figure includes dependants. As there is no cap on the number of temporary residence skilled visas granted, this visa category is driven by employer demand. Senator Evans said that a series of measures have been taken to: “ensure the 457 visa scheme operates as effectively as possible in contributing to the supply of skilled labour while protecting the employment and training opportunities of Australians and the rights of overseas workers."

One of these measures includes the appointment of an industrial relations expert, Ms Barbara Deegan, to examine the temporary skilled migration program. Senator Evans said that Ms Deegan will consult widely with state and territory governments; industry; and unions and that she has been asked to: “address concerns about the exploitation of migrant workers, salary levels, and English language requirements in order to improve the integrity of the scheme.”

Government Endorses Recommendations of Report on Skilled Migration

An External Reference Group established to advise the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator the Hon Chris Evans, has recently reported to him on suggested changes to the temporary skilled migration program. Senator Evans announced on 5 May 2008 that 14 of the 16 recommendations have been accepted and the other 2 are currently being considered.

The recommendations cover the streamlining of application and approval processes; eliminating duplication and unnecessary administration; remaining competitive with other countries; and long term planning.

Some of the accepted recommendations are:

• Employers who are regular sponsors and have a demonstrated compliance with immigration and industrial laws will have access to fast-track sponsorship processing.

• The training requirement will be examined with the aim of making it more flexible for small business and infrequent users. Examples of flexibility may include the use of a training levy or other means to support government training programs.

• That some unnecessary aspects to the sponsorship process be eliminated, such as the need to lodge nominations.

• Mechanisms be developed to provide employers and workers with more information about their rights and responsibilities under the temporary skilled migration program.

• A risk management approach be adopted by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to assist in speedy decision making and that additional resources be allocated by the Department to reduce processing times.

• A long term strategy be developed to respond to aggregate labour market and skill needs and population trends with specific reference to the role of temporary and permanent migration.

The media release from Senator Evans which outlines all of the recommendations and their acceptance or otherwise by the Government is attached. Also attached is the report that was submitted to the Minister by the Visa Subclass 457 External Reference Group.

Final Report to the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship (pdf - 211.6 kb) Provides recommendations to the Federal Government regarding the skilled migration program.

Media Release: Government to implement industry report on skilled migration (pdf - 66.1 kb) Official media release from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.