Printing Industries will assess the proposed changes announced today to the skilled migration program by the Federal Government to assess any potential impacts on the printing industry. 

Printing Industries National Manager for Policy and Government Affairs, Hagop Tchamkertenian, said the Association would welcome a more responsive and responsible migration program with a greater emphasis and focus on skills in need.

“The skilled migration program must serve the needs of all critical sectors of the Australian economy. Printing being such a critical sector of the knowledge economy must have its unique requirements met as well," he said.

"The proposed Skilled Occupations List should become the vehicle to have those requirements acknowledged.  

"It is critical that Skills Australia extensively consults the business community to ensure that any future skills list reflects the needs of industry."

According to the Federal Government the changes announced to the permanent skilled migration program will  ensure that it is more responsive to the needs of Australian industry and employers, and thus is able to better address the economy’s future skill needs.

Some of the major reforms announced include:  

• All offshore General Skilled Migration applications lodged prior to 1 September 2007 will have their applications withdrawn. An estimated 20,000 potential migrant applicants will be affected. (This is unlikely to affect existing printing industry applications). 
• The list of occupations in demand will be tightened so only highly skilled migrants will be eligible to apply for independent skilled migration visas. 
• The Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL) will be revoked immediately and a new and more targeted Skilled Occupations List (SOL) will be developed by Skills Australia and reviewed annually. The new list will be introduced mid-2010 and will focus on high value professions and trades. 
• The points test used to assess migrants will be reviewed to ensure it selects the best and brightest. 
• Certain occupations may be capped to ensure skill needs are met across the board. 
• Following amendments to the Migration Act, the Minister will be given the power to set the maximum number of visas that may be granted to applicants in any one occupation. 
• Developments of state and territory-specific migration plans.

While welcoming the development of state and territory specific migration plans, Mr Tchamkertenian said it was important that state and territory governments consult industry throughout the process of developing their migration plans.   

He also welcomed the proposed new arrangements preference of giving first priority to skilled migrants who have a job to go to with an Australian employer. 

"The skills migration program must be driven by industry and be oriented towards meeting the evolving needs of industry. This is why Printing Industries supports giving first priority to skilled migrants who already have been given a job offer by an Australian employer," he said. 

Printing Industries encourages members with an interest in this area to contact Hagop Tchamkertenian with comments and feedback on (02) 8789 7361 or hagop@printnet.com.au