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{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationInquiry must recognise migration as essential to building Australia's future
Inquiry must recognise migration as essential to building Australia's future
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“The inquiry is an important opportunity to drive major reforms to Australia’s skilled migration system — including overhauling visa categories for construction trades and exploring innovative pathways to support skilled migrants,” said HIA Managing Director Jocelyn Martin.
“Australia’s housing industry is facing one of the most significant skills shortages in decades. Our All Hands on Deck report makes it clear that without skilled migration, the country simply won’t have the workforce capacity to meet housing demand or deliver on national housing targets.”
Ms Martin said migration is not a substitute for local training, but a vital complement to it.
“We absolutely need to keep investing in apprentices and training programs, but that takes time,” she said.
“Skilled migration is one of the few levers that can provide immediate relief to businesses struggling to find qualified trades and keep housing projects moving.”
“HIA is calling for major reforms to current construction trade visa categories, coupled with new and innovative pathways to attract and retain skilled workers in the industry.
“In our submission to the inquiry, HIA will propose the creation of a dedicated construction trade contractor visa to enable skilled migrants to operate as independent trade contractors, a model better suited to the structure of Australia’s residential building sector.
“The submission will also advocate for overseas students to have the opportunity to undertake apprenticeships in construction trades, creating a stronger bridge between education and employment.
“HIA will recommend that industry be supported to expand recruitment programs in overseas markets and that clear, reliable pathways to permanent residency be established for temporary workers filling essential construction trade occupations.
“Migrants are not only contributing to the workforce that builds homes, they are also part of the growing communities we need to house - so the policy approach for both must be connected. A well designed migration program, aligned with housing and planning policy, will be key to achieving the Government’s ambition to deliver 1.2 million new homes under the National Housing Accord,” concluded Ms Martin.
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