Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania are set for a skilled migration intake boost in 2024-25.
All three states will receive at least 1,500 extra permanent skilled migrant visa nominations in 2024-25 as part of the Australian government’s move to reshape its state-nominated visa schemes.
South Australia will receive an extra 1,900 visas, while Western Australia and Tasmania will each receive an additional 1,500 visa nominations.
Australia’s federal Immigration Minster Andrew Giles said the move to boost skilled migrant intake will result in almost 10,000 more skilled migrant spots being provided to most Australian states.
He also said the move was designed to address skills shortages in areas of the country most in need.
Western Australia will also receive an additional 5,000 skilled migrant places under a newly established Western Australia Designated Area Migration Agreement.
Moreover, the State Nominated Migration Program will increase from about 2,300 to 5,000 places.
Furthermore, Western Australia will receive an additional 1,000 temporary visa spots as the state tackles housing shortages.
Western Australia Premier Roger Cook hailed the government’s decision to boost the state’s skilled migrant intake, saying it acknowledged the unique position of the mining state compared to the rest of the country, with the vacancy rate in Perth hovering well below 1 per cent.
Western Australia recorded a population growth of more than 3 per cent in the 12 months leading to December 2023. The state’s population is expected to exceed 3 million within the next year.
In addition to Western Australia, South Australia, and Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and Northern Territory (NT) will also see a significant proportional increase in the number of permanent and temporary visa allocations.
The Northern Territory’s visa allocations will increase from 650 to 1,200 places, while the Australian Capital Territory’s allocations will be boosted from 1,200 to 1,800.
However, Queensland will see its state-nominated permanent skilled visa spots reduced from 900 to 600 places and temporary visas reduced from 650 to 600.