The migration issue that’s bugging me and making it hard to hire in Australia

This government appears keen to flood the country with migrants from all over the world. So far in 2024, we’ve brought in 445,600, and I’m looking for two, writes Danny Wheeler.

Nothing beats the buzz of working in live TV.

Producers grapple with words, pictures, graphics, presenters and guests sometimes with seconds to spare to beam stuff into your home.

On days when the results are coming in from the U.S. presidential election or there’s breaking news to relate, there is no better place to be.

So it astonishes me why it’s so hard to find TV producers.

What is going wrong with our education system when there is such a dearth of applicants for what was once a sought-after, well-paid, glamorous role?

You would not believe how misaligned some of the applicants are who respond to job advertisements.

I’m looking for someone with a strong command of the English language who follows the news, can use editing software and speak to people NORMALLY.

I’ll give anybody a chance, but I’ve had resumes from people working in bars, digital marketing, housing, a masseuse, an actor and even a concierge.

Australia’s migration is a big talking point. Picture: iStock

You’d hope universities would be a pipeline with graduates desperate to get into newsrooms but the job of TV producer is barely even covered in the curriculum these days - a University Student Placement Officer admitted as much to me.

And one intern, who was so smart and amazing, told me that these days it’s all about ethics and analysing the media landscape, much less about what jobs are out there and how to do them.

So I wasn’t too surprised to find ‘TV journalist’ on the Skills In Demand list that replaced the Temporary Skills Shortage in the recent Migration Act update.

Along with yoga instructor, goat farmer and tour guide, but that’s a different story.

I’ve actually been trying to sponsor two English journalists who have come out here with the requisite skills and background.

The process is interminable, the cost high - although happily the company is backing them 100% - but they’ve shown their value while on working holiday visas and should be afforded the opportunity to live here (and pay taxes) for a few more years.

This government appears keen to flood the country with migrants from all over the world. So far in 2024, we’ve brought in 445,600.

I just want two.

Danny Wheeler is the Executive Producer, Programs – Sky News Australia

Originally published as The migration issue that’s bugging me and making it hard to hire in Australia