Report: Businesses need skilled migrants

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Created on Monday, 04 June 2012 16:17

Written by Editorial staff

Australia will need to do everything it can to improve its number of skilled workers, which could mean turning to migrant labour.

The annual Business & Population Monitor from accountancy firm PKF explained that there are challenges ahead for small and medium-sized enterprises that mean a greater workforce is needed.

However, the study identified that Australia's population growth is slowing at a time when demand for workers is accelerating - a trend that many migration consultants will no doubt have witnessed themselves.

This situation could come to a head as early as the latter half of this year, PKF warned, as these predictions were first put forward in the 2011 monitor.

"Ultimately, workers need to come from somewhere, and with population growth continuing to slow and an increasingly aged workforce, skilled migration could prove the answer, as long as Australian firms are willing and able to attract it to their workplace," stressed Matt Field, PKF's national director of enterprise advisers.

One of the main issues impacting Australia's employment landscape is the age of the current workforce.

Mr Field acknowledged that the first of the baby boomers are now turning 65, which is the fastest growing section of the population.

This trend is expected to continue, while the weakest population growth will stem from those under the age of 19, namely those who will be filling skilled positions in the near future.

In response to this situation, the accountancy firm expects companies to attempt to hold on to their workers for longer before taking on any additional staff.

This is where migrants will be able to make a real impression, as capacity pressures, a lack of skilled labour and under-investment mean that companies cannot be sustainable when relying on older workers.

Migration also needs to be encouraged to bolster Australia's population growth, with PKF believes will stand at around 1.7 per cent next year.

It may soon become easier for individuals with medical complaints to enter Australia, as a report from The Australian recently suggested that regulations are to be relaxed.

Under the proposals, the threshold of the number of people with health problems and disabilities will increase after it was suggested one in ten individuals on immigration blacklists are there due to medical concerns.

As a result, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship is believed to have commissioned a review by Allen Consulting into what changes need to be implemented.