Budget to bring more skilled migrants and workers to support Maranoa businesses

April 1, 2022

Maranoa businesses will soon be able to fill critical skills shortages and labour needs thanks to the Federal Coalition Government’s Budget delivering more skilled migration and Working Holiday Maker visa places.

Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said significant increases in the number of places allocated under the Government’s Migration Program and Working Holiday Maker visa program would help bring much needed skilled employees and workers to the electorate.

“Our Government’s Migration Program will focus on skilled migration, with the Skill stream increasing to 109,900 places – 30,000 places above 2021-22 planning levels,” he said.

“Within the Skill stream the categories of Employer Sponsored, with 30,000 places, Skilled Independent, having 16,652 places, and State and Territory Nominated, allocated 20,000 places, have all been increased from 2021-22 planning levels.

“Regional visas will also more than double to 25,000 places in total, with Maranoa businesses to directly benefit from this.

“The categories of Business Innovation and Investment, with 9,500 places, Global Talent, having 8,448 places, and Distinguished Talent, allocated 300 places, will additionally ensure Australia remains a favoured destination for the world’s best and brightest individuals, supporting Maranoa industries’ innovation and development.

“Occupation lists will be also reviewed and updated to reflect changes in Australia’s labour market, based on advice from the National Skills Commission, making sure those with the skills needed most will be able to come to Australia to fill vital positions in Maranoa’s industries, medical services and small businesses.”

Mr Littleproud said the Coalition Government additionally recognises the importance Australia’s Working Holiday Maker visa program has to agricultural, tourism and hospitality businesses.

“To support Australian agriculture and the sustained growth of the tourism sector, our Coalition Government has announced a one-off cap increase to the number of places available to Working Holiday Makers from countries with which Australia has a Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa arrangement.

“As a result, around 11,000 additional Working Holiday Maker visa places will be available for prospective backpackers, with these backpackers vital to Maranoa’s agricultural sector, as well as to remote tourism and hospitality businesses.”

Mr Littleproud said to further encourage the immediate arrival of Working Holiday Makers to Australia, Working Holiday Maker (subclasses 417 and 462) visa holders who arrive in Australia before April 19 can apply for a full refund of the visa application charge (VAC).