18/04/2024
According to a report by ABC News, restaurant owners might face sourcing chefs locally if the federal government proceeds with its proposed "skill-first" migration overhaul. The government pledged last year to streamline the list of occupations eligible for employer-sponsored visas, prioritizing migrants with in-demand skills to address local shortages.
However, concerns have arisen over the initial draft of the revised job list prepared by Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA), which has drawn criticism from employer groups for not accurately reflecting skill shortages. Notably absent from the list are occupations like chefs, cooks, bakers, managers, IT workers, accountants, and hairdressers. Even the construction industry, crucial for the government's housing initiatives but facing a severe labor shortage, did not make the cut.
Some professions may be exempted under the government's plan to grant visas to individuals earning over $130,000 annually, irrespective of occupation. Nevertheless, the hospitality sector is gearing up for resistance, with the Australian Hotels Association expressing concern over the omission of chefs and cooks.
The list also exhibits inconsistencies, such as favoring chicken farmers over those who raise cows, sheep, pigs, and goats. Similarly, private music teachers are included, while drama, dance, and art teachers are excluded.
However, JSA has not disclosed how the list was compiled. It is currently open for public feedback before final advice is submitted to the government.
Immigration Minister Andrew Giles and Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil have expressed a desire for substantial reform of the migration system, aiming to reduce the scale of the temporary migration program. They argue that the current system fosters "permanent temporariness," which does not benefit migrants or employers. Their reform agenda emphasizes targeted and streamlined measures to address systemic issues in Australia's migration framework.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-13/chefs-could-be-on-chopping-block-in-migration-shakeup/103697872?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2vnvRsGcUPJtLlkepdIBy50ZRPuEZ-wMCPiyrNV7jFkrFqXPeR43pZBxQ_aem_AdUtCj5jJZC5hceh92aMHKyJsWOyknMaJPp3Q2WDi4n4tpezwRAu0q7aCUoKn4fCqD-pephQ0gxUaK0Ek3wPa32B
Restaurant owners may soon have to look locally for chefs if the federal government follows through on its 'skill-first' migration shake-up.
