Release type: Joint Media Release

Date:

Visa reform targets the skills Australia needs

Ministers:

The Hon Tony Burke MP
Minister for Home Affairs
Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs
Minister for Cyber Security
Minister for the Arts
The Hon Andrew Giles MP
Minister for Skills and Training

The Albanese Labor Government is today announcing a new targeted Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) designed to attract skilled migrants who will make a significant contribution to the Australian economy, including in the housing sector.

The new CSOL will fill positions where no Australian workers are available.

It comprises more than 450 occupations, including in the construction, agriculture, cyber security, health, and education sectors.

The CSOL is based on labour market analysis and stakeholder consultation undertaken by Jobs and Skills Australia. It will apply to the Core Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa and the Direct Entry stream of the permanent Employer Nomination Scheme.

The CSOL is one of the important steps the Albanese Government is taking to modernise the visa system to ensure Australia has a workforce with the skills it needs for a strong economic future.

More information about the new CSOL (including the full list of eligible occupations) is available here.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, Tony Burke

“The Government is determined to tackle the skills shortage, especially in the construction sector. This is an important step to attract qualified workers to help build more homes.”

 Quote attributable to Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles  

“The Core Skills Occupation List plays an important role in ensuring Australia has a targeted skilled migration system that addresses genuine skills gaps in the economy, and works in conjunction with our work to train Australians.

“While the Liberals created the worst skills shortage in 50 years they were in office – the Albanese Government is prioritising workers who can help to build the houses Australians need.”