Sustainable Population Australia (SPA) has released a critique of the federal skills-shortage list, arguing that more than half of the 1,000-plus occupations eligible for skilled visas show no genuine shortage. The 13 April report highlights roles such as pet groomer, antique dealer and marriage counsellor—professions SPA claims can be filled locally. SPA warns that admitting migrants into these occupations represents a “complete betrayal” of domestic workers, referencing February labour-force data that show 22.2 % of Australians are unemployed or under-employed. The group calls for a cull of 691 occupations and a pivot toward employer-sponsored pathways tied to verified job offers. While industry bodies dismiss the report as “selective”, the critique feeds into a broader parliamentary review of the Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL) scheduled for June. Experts predict Home Affairs may shrink the list in the 2026-27 program year, echoing Canada’s recent move to streamline its National Occupational Classification for immigration. For employers, an eventual contraction could raise barriers to sponsoring niche roles and place upward pressure on salaries in sectors such as aged care and agriculture. Companies should therefore monitor the review and lodge nominations before any list reduction takes effect. The debate also intersects with housing-affordability politics, as opposition parties link high migration volumes to rental shortages—setting the stage for potential election-year migration-cap negotiations.
Source: The Noticer
