Master Builders Australia Calls for Skilled Migrants to Tackle Housing Crisis and Meet Construction Targets

Master Builders Australia (MBA) is urging the Albanese government to address the critical shortage of skilled workers in the construction sector. With Labor’s ambitious goal of building 1.2 million new homes, the MBA asserts that an influx of 500,000 skilled migrants is essential to meet this target. On Thursday, the MBA will unveil its migration blueprint, advocating for a streamlined visa system with reduced costs and expedited processing.

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Denita Wawn, MBA’s Chief Executive, emphasised the importance of skilled migrants in addressing Australia’s housing crisis. “Our communities need more homes, infrastructure, schools, and hospitals,” she stated. The MBA's comprehensive 48-page report calls for the establishment of a dedicated building and construction visa programme, arguing that it is the only viable solution to achieve the nation’s construction and infrastructure goals.

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Highlighting the inefficiencies in the current migration system, the MBA suggests substantial reforms over minor adjustments. The report proposes a four-year Skills in Demand visa, accessible to applicants in trade and trade-related occupations listed under a new "core skills occupation list". Additionally, the MBA recommends reducing English language requirements for non-licensed trades and eliminating skills assessments for migrants from countries with equivalent training frameworks.

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Ms Wawn pointed out that domestic apprentice training cannot meet the growing demand. “Skilled migrants are crucial to bridging the gap in the short term,” she noted. The Reserve Bank’s August statement echoed these concerns, citing labour shortages and rising construction costs as impediments to home building progress.

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The MBA also highlighted the decline in the number of apprentices in the industry, reinforcing the need for skilled migrant workers to support immediate and medium-term workforce demands.

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Read the full article here https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/builders-call-for-dedicated-building-and-construction-visa-pathway/news-story/70e56941753d2619ce44ce7b77e7db63

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