South Australian companies unable to fill jobs with local workers also struggling to employ skilled migrants, Business SA say

South Australian companies unable to fill jobs with local workers are also struggling to employ skilled migrants according to a peak business body — so what’s holding them back?

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South Australian companies unable to fill jobs with local workers are also struggling to employ skilled migrants due to rising costs and red tape, says a peak business body.

Business SA industry and government engagement executive director Anthony Penney wants the Federal Government to tackle visa wait periods and cut fees to make it more viable for companies to bring in skilled migrants.

Mr Penney said the state’s low population growth had made it much more reliant on skilled migrants to fill vacancies.

“From bakers to bricklayers, accountants to architects, SA is suffering skills shortages across a number of industries,” Mr Penney said, adding that it’s even worse in regional SA.

He blames changes to the migration program in March last year, including increased income thresholds and work experience levels.

Figures from the Home Affairs department reveals that one in four subclass 489 skilled workers visas take longer than seven months.

While the submission also states that the changed requirement for three years relevant work experience for subclass 187 visas has mostly ruled out graduating international students.

Mr Penney said as the state’s economy and confidence improved, and more firms looked to set up in South Australia, current businesses would grow and have more vacancies.

“Migrants will go to where there are jobs,” he said.

Originally published as South Australian companies unable to fill jobs with local workers also struggling to employ skilled migrants, Business SA say