The Albanese government’s overhaul of the skilled visa system aims to address severe labour shortages, particularly in the construction sector, as it works toward building 1.2 million homes by 2029. A new three-tier system categorises skilled migrants into streams for low-paid care workers, high-earning professionals, and a “core” group earning $70,000–$135,000, where skill shortages are most acute.

Tradies such as plumbers, bricklayers, and carpenter joiners, initially excluded from the “core” stream, are now included, a move we welcome. However, builders earning above $135,000 and key machinery operator roles - such as crane operators, bulldozer drivers, and excavator operators - remain absent from fast-track and core pathways. We are critical of this, as all 15 major construction occupation groups are in shortage across Australia, according to Jobs and Skills Australia.

Heavy machinery operators, despite earning well above the TSMIT threshold (e.g., crane operators averaging $118,000 annually), are still excluded from viable migration pathways. We're  warning that without these roles being addressed, the housing sector’s workforce needs - estimated at 500,000 additional workers - will remain unmet. Meanwhile, the updated occupation list includes 450 professions, some controversially unrelated to critical shortages, like yoga instructors.

While the government is commended for adding crucial trades to the core list, industry frustration persists. These gaps undermine efforts to tackle the housing crisis effectively and call for further revisions to address critical roles left behind.

Further reading: