The construction industry has welcomed an extension of a subsidy program that attracts skilled workers to the sector.
The construction industry has welcomed the state government’s extension of its skilled migrant visa program, which has already attracted 1,100 overseas workers to Western Australia.
Training and Workforce Development Minister Simone McGurk yesterday announced an extension of the government’s construction visa subsidy program, following its success over the past 12 months.
Ms McGurk confirmed the 1,100 allocated places under the scheme had been filled since it was announced in mid-2023.
Under the scheme, employers of skilled migrants are given $10,000 by the government in three milestone payments.
The government has been criticised for the slow pace of the program, with just 230 migrants under the subsidy currently working in the state’s construction sector.
Ms McGurk said the remaining 870 workers were progressing through the system as quickly as possible, with the average time between migrants having their visas granted and starting work about 30 days.
Ms McGurk said the feedback from employers on the scheme was overwhelmingly positive, which prompted its renewal.
“There has been a surge in demand from employers following the establishment of the Construction Migration Office and the launch of our marketing campaign,” she said.
“We’ve now hit our target, with all 1,100 places being snapped up. Hundreds of those workers are now working on building sites, with many more progressing through the immigration system.”
The government committed $11 million to the first year of the program, but has not put a figure on the cost of its extension.
Housing Industry Association executive director WA Michael MGowan welcomed the move, stating that labour availability was the biggest thing holding back the state from building more homes.
“Initiatives like the CVSP only seek to improve the capacity within the industry and help us achieve this goal,” he said.
“The CVSP has provided businesses large and small with the opportunity to increase their capacity to help build more homes.
“It’s still a complicated process for a business to navigate, but by lessening the cost and increasing the support services provided by the state government it has removed significant barriers for employers to get involved.”
