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Skilled benefit regions A JOINT Australian and New South Wales government study of regional migration in the New South Wales Riverina shows positive outcomes for employers, employees and the community through skilled workers settling in regional areas.Assistant Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Teresa Gambaro, said the study of the area including Wagga Wagga and Griffith showed skilled migrants made significant contributions to the communities in which they settled. "Skilled migrants are highly valued and satisfied with their life in the region," Mrs Gambaro said. "They have a low unemployment rate around four per cent, and above-average annual earnings around $66 000." Mrs Gambaro said there could be significant expansion of skilled migration to regions like the Riverina which had skilled labour shortages, a viable mixed economy, a welcoming community, and urban centres to meet the needs of a sophisticated and affluent population. "The Riverina's population is ageing as young people leave and older workers retire, contributing to labour shortages and increased demand for services including health and age care," the Assistant Minister said. "The area has similar shortages to those faced nationally, for example nurses, chefs, welders, fitters and accountants." Mrs Gambaro said the Department of Immigration and Citizenship's skill-matching database and skilled-migration expos could help increase the number of Skilled Independent Regional (SIR) visa holders coming to regions. "This SIR visa helps regions meet needs for skilled workers who are committed to remain in regional Australia," Mrs Gambaro said. The evaluation study included a survey of skilled migrants and employers, focus groups of skilled migrants and community members, interviews with employers and community representatives, and discussions with service providers including regional development boards and the NSW Department of State and Regional Development. |
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