Government all bound up over skills shortages

The acute shortage of skilled binding and finishing workers in Australia has finally been recognised by the Australian Government which will now make it easier for overseas recruitment to fill these jobs.

Effective immediately, the Binding and Finishing classifications have been added to the Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL) making them the first printing industry occupations to be included.

This List recognises a national shortage and enables skilled workers with occupations on the MODL to receive additional points when applying in the Independent category for permanent residence. Applicants in the Independent category, also known as General Skilled Migration, are required to reach a specified points test before they are eligible to be granted permanent residence in Australia.

Printing Industries national manager for policy and government affairs, Hagop Tchamkertenian, said the Association had been lobbying the government for some time to include these classifications.

"This inclusion on the MODL confirms that the government has been prepared to listen to our concerns and those of our members who are unable to recruit suitably skilled employees within Australia," he said. 

"Members sponsoring skilled binding and finishing workers will now receive priority processing when lodging applications with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship."

The Australian Government has also announced that the minimum salary level for skilled workers sponsored under the temporary skilled migration (457 visa) program will increase from 1 August 2008.

The 3.8 per cent increase is based on the Australian Bureau of Statistics all employees earnings increase for November 2006 - November 2007. The new minimum salary levels for skilled workers, excluding Information and Computer Technology occupations which have a higher level, will be increased from $41,850 to $43,440. For employers in regional areas, where concessions apply, the minimum salary level will rise from $37,665 to $39,100.

Each time that the minimum salary levels increase, any skilled workers who are currently in Australia and are being paid the minimum level, must be paid the revised increased level.

The minimum salary levels will not impact on sponsored skilled workers who are being paid in excess in these levels.

Printing Industries' skilled migration adviser, Peter Lovell, said employers also have access to skilled workers in other visa categories which do not require sponsorship such as those having working holiday maker visas; or overseas students who are able to work for 20 hours each week during their course or full time during course breaks.

Printing Industries members with questions or seeking assistance with skilled migration can contact Lovell, on 0434 077 584 or via e-mail: peter@printnet.com.