Regional Australia to Benefit from Regional Migration Initiatives
Media Release - DPS 039/2004
Representatives from Albury Wodonga Business and the Wodonga branch of Regional Development Victoria attending a conference in Albury today heard how new developments in Australia's Migration Program will help regional areas attract more skilled migrants.
Around 35 Regional Certifying Bodies (RCBs) from around Australia are taking part in the first National Regional Certifying Bodies Conference along with representatives from DIMIA and State/Territory governments.
Over 27,000 visas have been granted to regional migrants since 1996, however some parts of Australia are still missing out on the full benefits of skilled migration, a Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) spokesperson said.
'We need to make sure that the whole of Australia gets a fair share of skilled migration, particularly those areas that suffer from skill shortages. The Government is committed to promoting and developing new and existing regional migration initiatives.'
As part of this commitment, the Government will introduce the new Skilled Independent Regional (SIR) visa from 1 July 2004, which will provide both economic and cultural benefits to regional areas.
'Delegates at the conference heard how the SIR will help States and Territories match migrants to skill shortages and economic needs, and will help employers attract skilled workers to their regions,' the spokesperson said.
'The 5000 new places set aside under the SIR visa provide an excellent opportunity for the Albury Wodonga region to increase its share of skilled workers.'
After living and working in regional Australia for two years, a SIR visa holder can apply for permanent residency.
Employers throughout Australia are already using schemes such as the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme to fill skill shortages and DIMIA will continue to work closely with Albury Wodonga Business, the Wodonga branch of Regional Development Victoria, local organisations, businesses and communities to attract the migrants that will help the Albury Wodonga area grow.
'Employers in Albury Wodonga will soon be able to use the SIR visa, along with existing programs like the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme and the regional Temporary Business visa, if they have ongoing vacancies in their business and want to recruit overseas workers,' the spokesperson said.
19 May 2004