Article from West Australian newspaper
Premier Roger Cook to urge Federal Government to reverse cuts to WA’s skilled migrant allocation
The Premier is calling on the Federal Government to reverse a decision to slash WA’s nominated skilled
migrant intake by 70 percent — saying the workers are “desperately” needed to build new homes and fill
a range of jobs. The Commonwealth has notified the State Government of its allocation for the State
Nominated Migration Program would be drastically cut from more than 8000 places to just 2350 this
financial year.
The SNMP allows States to specifically decide which overseas skilled workers they need to fill the local
jobs in demand.
But the Albanese Government’s plan to cut WA numbers has prompted the Premier to write a letter to his
Federal leader objecting to the shock decision.
“I will always fight for what is best for Western Australia,“ Mr Cook said.“WA is the economic powerhouse
of the nation and we desperately need more skilled workers — not less — to meet the demand being
driven by our booming economy, specifically in our housing construction industry but also in key areas like health and hospitality.
“If we want to build more houses then we need more workers.”
The Premier is calling on the Federal Government to reverse a decision to slash WA’s nominated skilled
migrant intake by 70 percent — saying the workers are “desperately” needed to build new homes and fill
a range of jobs.
WA’s skilled nominated visa allocation will drop from 5350 to 1500, while skilled work regional visas will
plummet from 2790 to 850, unless the Cook Government can convince Federal Labor to change its mind.
And the State will get no migrants from the Business Innovation and Investment Program after receiving
40 last financial year, even though applications for this program are at record highs.