IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The Australian Government is accepting submissions on proposed changes to the country’s skilled occupations lists.

What does the change mean? The consultation period is part of a months-long review of Australia’s occupations lists and follows the publication of a Traffic Light Bulletin that outlined proposed changes. The review could impact applicants for Temporary Skilled Shortage (TSS) visas and company-sponsored applicants for permanent residence under the Employer Nomination Scheme, among others. The consultation period is open until Feb. 12, and officials will fully consider all submissions made to it before finalizing any changes.

  • Implementation time frame: Ongoing.
  • Visas/permits affected: Temporary and permanent skilled migration categories, including the TSS visa, the Employer Nomination Scheme and the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme.
  • Who is affected: Australian companies sponsoring skilled foreign workers.
  • Business impact: The review provides employers with the chance to help shape the occupations lists that determine eligibility for skilled workers.

Additional information: The Traffic Light Bulletin recommended category changes for 32 occupations, including:

  • Removing 11 occupations from the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), including careers counselor, community worker and business machine mechanic.
  • Moving seven occupations from the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) to the STSOL, including automotive electrician, painting trades worker and wall and floor tiler.
  • Moving three occupations (post office manager, mechanical engineering draftsperson, and real estate representative) from the Regional Occupation List (ROL) to the STSOL.
  • Moving one occupation (geologist) from the STSOL to the ROL.
  • Moving four occupations (sales and marketing manager, ICT project manager, information and organization professional, and insurance loss adjuster) from the STSOL to the MLTSSL.
  • Moving two occupations (procurement manager and ship’s master) from the ROL to the MLTSSL.
  • Adding four occupations (corporate treasurer, aged or disabled carer, nursing support worker and personal care assistant) that are currently not on any of the lists to the STSOL.

If an occupation is not listed in the Traffic Light Bulletin, the Government is proposing no changes at this point. The current occupations lists are available on this website.

Analysis & Comments: Employers are encouraged to review the Traffic Light Bulletin and consider making submissions during the consultation period, especially if the current skilled migration lists are impacting their ability to recruit and retain foreign talent. Deloitte is available to work with clients to ensure the current challenges their business is facing are represented in the consultation process.

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