CME WELCOMES CREATION OF SKILLED MIGRATION STRATEGY

Apr 16, 2010

The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CME) welcomes the opportunity to work with the state government and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Western Australia (CCIWA) to help develop WA’s Skilled Migration Strategy.

CME Chief Executive Mr Reg Howard-Smith said in the resources sector alone, tens of thousands of additional workers would be needed over the next few years.

“Our state has emerged from a difficult 18 months and is about to enter a new economic cycle, driven by favourable terms of resources-based trade and associated business investment,” Mr Howard-Smith said.

“This growth will again highlight capacity constraints in the form of widespread skilled labour shortages, and temporary and permanent skilled migration will have an important role in easing the pressure.”

WA’s unique economic conditions and consequent labour demand highlights the importance of a state-specific approach to migration policy.

“CME has been advocating for a State Migration Plan for some time and the need for a collaborative approach,” Mr Howard-Smith said.

“This approach will certainly compliment federal intentions to allow WA to

prioritise skilled migrants of its own choosing, based on its different skills requirement to other states.”

Mr Howard-Smith said while skilled migration would play a vital role over the next decade, the sector was also focused on maximising opportunities for the local community.

“This includes developing programs to raise participation rates among groups currently underrepresented in the industry, and supporting a strong local skills and training regime,” Mr Howard-Smith said.

Media enquiries: Rob Newton |

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