CCIWA has called for Western Australia to be granted an exemption from any federal cuts to skilled migration.
The Federal Government will reportedly announce significant changes to migration policy, aimed at bringing net migration down by 75,000 people nationally in the next two years.
CCIWA Chief Executive, Will Golsby, said Western Australia had special circumstances, and should not be included in any cuts to skilled migrant numbers.
“WA needs more skilled migrants – not less. Our economy is not like the rest of the country,” he said.
“We support a simpler migration system, but WA desperately needs skilled workers across a whole range of industries, including construction and building trades, mining, manufacturing, and the health and care sectors.
CCIWA’s most recent Business Confidence for the June quarter showed labour shortages were the second biggest challenge faced by WA businesses, after rising costs.
73% of businesses in the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector reported skilled labour shortage as a barrier to growth, while 66% in construction and 63% in healthcare and social assistance said they were impacted.
“When WA’s skilled migration cap was cut in 2024, the decision was reversed after intervention from businesses and the WA State Government,” Mr Golsby said.
“WA needs workers now. A well-targeted skilled migration program is the best way to meet the needs of our growing state and deliver on the pipeline of major projects already underway.”
Mr Golsby said skills shortages were particularly acute in regional WA.
“In the Kimberley for example, 83% of businesses told us they were struggling to find skilled staff. Around 80% of businesses in the Great Southern and Goldfields-Esperance said the same,” he said.
“In regional areas, the shortages impact service delivery and the everyday lives of people living in those communities.
“A lack of childcare and healthcare workers have significant impact on families living in regional WA.”
CCIWA urged the Federal Government to consult closely with businesses in WA to ensure the economic needs of the state are not overlooked as part of the broader immigration debate.
“We’d also like to see greater recognition of overseas qualifications to better access workforces already in Australia but currently unable to work to their full potential,” Mr Golsby said.
