Visa skilled occupation lists set for major shake-up in 2020





Australia’s Skilled-Migration Occupation Lists are set for a significant shake-up, as labour market analysis and public consultation into what skills should be included gets underway.

The lists seek to reflect genuine skills needs, enabling businesses to temporarily access the skills they need when Australian workers are not available.


Their make up are likely to be affected by the Federal Government’s push to divert more people to regional areas and major infrastructure projects, and their demand for skilled workers, ramps up.


Why the need for change?

There have long been calls to make the Skilled-Migration Occupation Lists more responsive to the needs of the Australian labour market.

The last changes to the lists, rolled out in March this year, resulted in a small turnover of occupations. Based on the messaging from the Federal Government, we are expecting a much more extensive shake-up following the consultation period.


Timetable for change

  • 4 September 2019: Review and consultation commences.
    Release of the Traffic Light Bulletin, highlighting which occupations have been flagged for a change in status on one of the lists.

  • December 2019: Formal submission period opens

  • February 2020: Formal submission period closes

  • March 2020: Review finalised and release of the new Skilled Migration Occupation Lists


How Macpherson Kelley can help

As stated, consultation has begun, providing an excellent opportunity for businesses to make a submission and express their concerns directly to the Department of Employment and the Department of Home Affairs.

Macpherson Kelley’s Migration team has deep industry expertise and experience in assisting business and peak industry bodies with such submissions.

If you have any questions, please contact Special Counsel Kian Bone who leads Macpherson Kelley’s Migration practice.


Originally published on 18 September 2019 on the Macpherson Kelley website.


Read More News