News

Australian economy keeps on growing

The Australian GDP has grown 1.2%, in seasonally adjusted volume terms, in the June quarter of 2010, according to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

NSW waives health requirements for some skilled migrants

The government of New South Wales (NSW) has joined the scheme that allows some skilled migrants to settle in the region permanently, even if they don’t satisfy all of the health requirements.

Changes to Working Holiday visas announced

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has announced that, since 21 August 2010, a person who has previously been in Australia on a Subclass 462 (Work and Holiday) visa cannot apply for a Subclass 417 (Working Holiday) visa.

Australian agriculture sector needs 96,000 extra workers

A new study shows that the Australian agriculture sector is currently experiencing a labour shortage of at least 96,000 full-time employees, as well as 10,000 part-time workers.

Severe skills shortages to hit South Australia in 2011

Experts predict an acute shortage of skills to hit South Australia next year, as baby-boomers retire at a faster rate than younger people enter the workforce.

Job ads reach 18-month high in Australia

Job advertisements in Australia have reached an 18-month high in July, a further sign of the country’s economic recovery.

Shortages weighing on rural doctors

The shortage of doctors in Australia is affecting both patients and health professionals, as waiting periods for an appointment keep getting longer.

Australian wages on the rise

A newly released report shows that the average annual wage in Australia is set to increase by $8200 within the next three years.

Report rates Australian chefs shortage as ‘extreme’

With nearly 3800 unfilled chef positions in Australia, it’s no surprise that a report has described the shortage in the country as ‘extreme’.

Warning of skills shortage in housing sector

A new report by the Housing Industry Association (HIA) reveals shortages in eight of 13 skilled trades in the June quarter.

Branson defends Australian population increase

Billionaire entrepreneur Richard Branson says the Australian government should embrace population growth, defending an immigration boost to improve the country’s economy.

Skills shortages spell trouble for ICT sector in Australia

A drop in the number of hires during the recession period has resulted in a skills shortage in the Australian ICT industry, particularly in mid-level management.

Skills shortages driving salaries up in Australia

Salaries in Australia are expected to increase by as much as 5.4% over the next three years, much due to severe skills shortages in the country.

Aussie company looking overseas for talent

Fibre-optics company Finisar is looking overseas for talented engineering workers, after failing to find the right people in Australia.

Skills shortages hurt Aussie businesses

One in three Australian companies says skills shortages will hold back their operations this year.

Australian unemployment rate keeps on dropping

After last month’s unexpected low number, the Australian unemployment rate has dropped again and is now sitting at 5.1%.

Skills shortages endanger Australian growth

A newly released survey shows skills shortages are endangering Australia’s economic expansion.

Migrants steer clear of Australia’s crowds

The number of migrants choosing to settle in non-metropolitan areas of Australia is now 14%, a big increase from the 9% registered in the mid-1990s.

Australia lifts skilled migration suspension as SOL comes into effect

The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) is lifting the suspension on its General Skilled Migration programme, as the new Skilled Occupations List (SOL), which took effect last week, comes into force.

Huge Western Australia labour shortages predicted

Western Australia (WA) faces a shortage of 488,500 workers across all sectors by 2020, according to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI).