Home > Our Publications > Australian Outlook> 2004 > June

Big need for all medical staff

NURSES top the list of skilled people who are in demand in Australia, according to the latest Federal Government list of occupations in demand.
Missing from the list are doctors, teachers and IT personnel.
Medical staff of various groups dominate the list, totalling 10 of the 13 trades and professions, listed as being in demand.
Of course, this does not mean that many other skilled trades and professionals are not acceptable as migrants, at this time.
Occupations on this official list receive an extra 15 points if they have a job offer and an extra 10 points without a job offer. But you can only receive the extra points if if you have a job offer in your nominated occupation from an organisation that has employed at least 10 people on a full-time basis for the two previous financial years.
There are several organisations in Australia which specialise in obtaining causal and full time work for nurses and other medical staff throughout the country. One of these is the West Australian Nursing Agency, and their details are on page 17.
A full list of the professions and trades on the Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL) is:
* Professionals: Registered nurses and midwives, registered mental health nurses, hospital and retail pharmacists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, medical diagnostic radiographers, radiation therapists, sonographer.
* Associate professionals: Chefs (excluding commis chefs).
* Tradespersons: Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics; hairdressers.
* People wishing to emigrate to Australia on the basis of their work skills receive the extra points if their nominated occupation is on the MODL, which is current at the time their application is assess - and not when their application is lodged.
This means that your occupation may have been deleted from the list between the time you apply and the time you application is dealt with - meaning you will not receive the extra points.
This list is reviewed annually by the Federal Government taking into consideration existing and emerging skill shortages.