February
Pub chain got $9.7m taxpayer funds to fully train just 96 staff
In new evidence of widespread wastage in a Coalition training scheme, a pub group backed by Coles got $100,000 per worker to learn basic hospitality skills.
Why businesses are key to fixing Australia’s skills gaps
Cutting-edge training and education is happening in Australia’s largest employers. If we are to meet our national skills challenge, we must encourage more of it.
January
CEOs reveal how to fix the productivity problem
Business reckons it’s ready to invest to help bolster living standards for all Australians. It just needs some policy help.
More skilled migration, less red tape to kickstart economy: CEOs
The government needs to stimulate sagging productivity growth if Australia is to prosper, business warns.
December 2024
‘Give us a chance’: More visas not enough to fix skills crisis
According to a recently launched coalition of business groups, unions and community organisations, more than 620,000 permanent migrants work below their skill levels and qualifications.
Accounting, audit and finance roles added to fast-track visa list
Jobs and Skills Australia has added a range of accounting, audit and finance roles to its list of occupations eligible to apply for new fast-track visas.
Tradies to join yoga instructors on core migration skills list
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the federal government was moving to address critical shortages, including in new home construction.
Why we got it wrong on education and skill shortages
After 15 years of policies encouraging people to go to university, Australia’s skills tsar says it is now time for a reset if we are to address chronic skill shortages.
November 2024
The big trend working against the PM’s 1.2m homes target
Painter Gavin Sas wants to hire an apprentice to expand his business, but the initial cost is too high. It’s a small part of a bigger problem.
Why families feel like they can never get on top of childcare fees
Marita Tilleraas has experienced childcare systems in Norway and Australia, and says the latter is impossible to understand. Economist Angela Jackson agrees.
Chinese social media users slam foreign student chaos
Students and university leaders are digesting what the blocking of student caps legislation mean for them.
Is there a solution to skill shortages?
When migration is no longer the cure for skill shortages, where does the country turn?
Demand for postgraduate courses on the rise
Students increasingly look for shorter and more industry-aligned qualifications, experts say.
The 10 jobs that landed the biggest pay rises in financial year 2024
Geologists, engineers and trades such as carpenters and electricians were among the occupations that landed the largest salary bumps.
Migration at record highs as political pressure builds
Overseas students, New Zealanders and backpackers continue to flock to Australia, inflating net migration numbers to historical highs.
October 2024
Wilsons Advisory grows new generation of financial advisers
Financial services firm Wilsons Advisory has announced a new associate adviser program to address skills shortages and better serve a changing client base.
Desperate colleges shore up numbers before student caps kick in
Parliament is yet to pass a bill allowing the government to limit overseas student places, but there is a lot of manoeuvring on the assumption it will go ahead.
Universities left in the lurch as Labor pushes back student cap bill
The government has only two weeks to pass changes, which are due to start on January 1, before parliament ends for the year.
Student visa surge puts Labor’s migration crackdown in doubt
The number of international students has hit a record, according to official data, even as overseas enrolments begin to fall amid new government restrictions.
September 2024
How Angella went from healthcare to coder in nine months
Holberton’s course is an example of the practical training programs employers are using to fill stubborn vacancies in the face of persistent skills shortages.