The importance of skilled migration and population growth to the South Australian economy has been underestimated, so it’s time we stood up for our fair share of the international economic pie.
The majority of economic, business and skilled migrants entering Australia all too often head to the eastern seaboard, and that’s no surprise given their larger populations, job opportunities, higher salaries and growing diversity of ethnic communities.
While SA cannot match some of these aspects, it’s time we made it known why our state is a better option.
In a bid to help boost the state’s percentage share of skilled and business migration, Business SA is focused on addressing the skills shortage faced by many businesses across the state.
We are informing our members and the wider business community about opportunities to develop their workforce and business through visa programs and migration pathways. Many organisations are unsure how to go about recruiting skilled workers from overseas, which visa options are best and what’s then required.
For a busy employer, the process can be daunting. If we can focus on boosting skilled migration in industry sectors that cannot be readily filled by South Australians, we’ll boost the skills base of our state and increase our population, which has been lagging in recent years.
There’s no doubt some people are a little wary about skilled migration but you only have to venture into a regional community where groups of migrant families have settled, such as Balaklava, to see how schools and community clubs have benefited and how a growing population can boost a local economy. The community is more culturally diverse and richer in spirit.
Business migrants can also bolster two-way trade as many people will bring not just their cheque book but also their immediate family, visiting relatives and friends, trade connections and access to international markets.
Business SA is boosting its advocacy in the migration area, because we know businesses often struggle to have their voices heard on the key issues of migration and access to skilled workers.
Business SA, as the peak Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also provides employers with a voice when talking to state and federal governments.
In recognition, last year the Federal Government recognised that SA faced different economic and business challenges to the rest of the nation and introduced several regional visa options to better facilitate skilled migration.
SA also has lower house prices, less traffic jams (other than when a car race hits the CBD), cleaner air, great food, larger family-sized blocks closer to the city and a higher standard of living.
If we want SA to truly prosper and for our economy and population to grow, we must get out and spread the word that our state is open for international business.
Business SA is building an A-team of experts to assist business owners to grow and succeed in today’s competitive and sometimes challenging environment.
In a global economy, without developing our share of the skilled, business and economic migration, our state will only continue to struggle.
Source: adelaidenow.com.au
