Dog handlers make skilled priority migration list, some tradies left out

Jobs and Skills Australia, an independent advisory body, is still considering whether to include some construction trades in its draft skills priority list for migrants, amid a growing shortfall of workers needed to meet Australia’s housing targets.

Instead, the draft list includes professions such as yoga instructors, martial artists, and dog handlers.

Jobs and Skills Australia – which provides advice to the Australian Government on the labour market – will be undergoing further consultation with the construction industry.

Some of the construction workers not included in the list are bricklayers, stonemason and plasterers; however tradies like painters, joiners, and carpenters are on a list for consultation. 

The inclusion of some construction workers in the updated streamlined skilled occupation visa category is coming under scrutiny from industry lobby groups and unions calling for prioritisation of Australian jobs.

The Australian Constructors Association CEO Jon Davies said that the lack of support for tradie workers was critical.

“At a time when industry productivity is at its lowest in 60 years, the demand for construction workers has never been higher,” said Davis.

“At the same time, the industry is facing significant workforce imbalances,” he said.

The draft skills list release comes at a critical time for the Albanese government which is...