Businesses welcome the Morrison Government’s decision to expand the number of occupations on the priority list for skilled visas and make it easier for businesses to invest, expand and employ more Australians, Business Council chief executive Jennifer Westacott. 

“This move will help tackle some of the skills shortages that have emerged with Australia’s borders largely closed. That’s good for business, good for local workers, and good for the economy.

“Skills shortages create bottlenecks that stall investment and cost jobs.

“Globally talented workers in fields like engineering, surveying and ICT security will keep projects on track and act as job multipliers.

“Our education and training system can help to meet skills and workforce challenges over time but it can’t deliver highly skilled workers overnight.

“Businesses large and small have been crying out for these highly skilled workers.

“A doubling of the occupations eligible for priority visas will help plug skills gaps and is another step in the right direction to open up our borders safely and securely.”

“We thank Minister Hawke and the Morrison Government for listening and acting to support Australian businesses to drive our economic recovery.”