THE Department of Jobs and Small Business has published the occupations its considering for further changes as part of its regular skilled migration reviews.

As part of its regular six-monthly review, the Department listed the occupations to be considered for status change on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and the Regional Occupation List (ROL).

The list is detailed in its Traffic Light Bulletin. Occupations that do not appear on the Traffic Light Bulletin are not up for change to the status of that occupation.

The Department has invited stakeholders to make a submission in relation to any occupation, even if no change is flagged at this time.

Last year AREEA took the opportunity to provide further information and evidence in relation to the remaining occupations ineligible for skilled migration under either list.

In particular, AREEA focused its attention on those occupations identified as high priority by AREEA members, including Driller, Marine Transport Professionals NEC, Ship’s Engineer, Ship’s Master and Ship’s Officer. AREEA also provided feedback in relation to the occupations Marine Surveyor and Gas or Petroleum Operator.

Unfortunately, the most recent update shows none of the occupations identified by AREEA members as of concern to the resources and energy sector have been flagged for change.

AREEA intends to use this opportunity to provide further information and evidence in relation to the remaining occupations that formed the basis of AREEA advocacy that are still ineligible for skilled migration under these lists. The occupations continued to identified as high priority by AREEA members remains Driller, Marine Transport Professionals NEC, Ship’s Engineer and Ship’s Officer.

It is important to note that the Ship’s Master occupation is available, however only for Regional work.

Next steps

AREEA is seeking the input of interested members, and invites further information and where possible, evidence, to inform our submission.

The Department has indicated that it is seeking specific information that it might not understand purely from looking at national labour market data.

For instance, this particular information could go to specific projects or contracts and covers:

• Regional variations in the need for particular occupations
• Additional evidence on ‘niche’ or highly specialised skills within occupation categories
• A specific need for highly experienced workers within a particular occupation category, for example workers within 10 years’ experience
• The experience and remuneration levels of highly skilled staff where there may be gaps in the local labour market.

The consultation period is open until 20 June 2018.

To provide input on the government’s ongoing skilled migration reviews, please contact AREEA Policy Advisor, Ingrid Fraser, via [email protected]