Australian Immigration Daily News

As reported previously, the Department of Home Affairs confirmed that Skilling Australians Fund is likely to commence in the first quarter of the new migration year.   An estimated $1.5 billion will be available from the Commonwealth for the ongoing Fund between 2017–18 to 2021–22. With matched funding from states and territories (states), the Fund will grow the number of apprentices and trainees to support Australia's future productivity, jobs and growth.

It has now been publicly announced that Five states have signed have signed the Agreement: New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory. These states will have the opportunity to develop projects for consideration by the Australian Government. 

During a recent press release statement Hon Karen Andrews MP stated that “The Turnbull Government is committed to seeing an extra 300,000 apprenticeships over the coming four years through the Skilling Australians Fund and I expect that many of them will find on-going employment with Australia’s various manufacturers.”

The Fund is now being managed through a new project based NPA with states that commenced on 1 July 2018. Under this four-year Agreement, there is an emphasis on accountability, transparency and the delivery of clear outcomes. Funding will be prioritised towards apprenticeships and traineeships across a range of key priority areas.  All project proposals will need to demonstrate engagement with, and support from, employers and industry. It is critical that industry contribute to shaping the success of the Fund. The Australian Government will continue to work with the remaining states on signing the Agreement and will continue to publish latest updates on the Department of Education and Training website.

Whilst the actual implementation date for SAF remains unclear, the removal of Training Benchmark A Payment option from NSW TAFE Website is a likely indication that implementation is imminent.  Sponsors wishing to make contribution towards meeting Training Benchmark A can do so via QLD TAFE website.

Existing standard business sponsors may wish to apply for another sponsorship in order to release themselves from current training Benchmark A and B obligations.

Once the Act commences employers will be liable to pay the Levy for each TSS/186 and RSMS nomination.  The levy will be payable in full at the time the worker is nominated, and will depend on the size of the business as well as the subclass the nomination is lodged against. The levy will not apply to dependent TSS visa applicants or to existing 457 visa holders.  Employers wishing to nominate TSS visa ENS / RSMS visas with a small annual turnover less than $10 million will be liable to pay $1200 per year for TSS nomination or part thereof or $3000 one-off for ENS/RSMS nominations. Other businesses $1800 per year for TSS nomination or part thereof $5000 one-off or ENS/RSMS nominations.

For full press release statement by Hon Karen Andrews MP, visit: https://ministers.education.gov.au/andrews/confidence-grows-future-manufacturing-and-vet