Media Release - 29 October 2007
Skilled migration policies must reposition Australia as a career destination rather than a lifestyle choice
Global recruitment firm Michael Page International today has warned strong economic growth and the current investment surge in Australia has put undue pressure on companies needing professional skills to sustain their growth levels, and has said the Australian Bureau of Statistic’s Job Index figures indicated a labour market close to “tipping point”.
Michael Page managing director Phillip Guest said continuing strong economic growth depends on the success of the corporate sector, but that many companies were “constrained because they don’t have the skilled workforce to support this growth”. Mr Guest said professional skilled workers were needed to sustain this investment.
“The ABS figures released today show a further skills shortage ‘squeeze’ further compounding the tight labour market. This follows figures earlier this month that showed an investment surge with public and private growth at double-digit figures, and a wages and salaries jump of 9% over the past year to $128.4 billion reflecting companies’ strong profits and the tight labour market.
“This investment surge is beginning to work its way into increased production with strong demand for professional skills in all markets from the booming mining and construction sectors, to substantial increases in demand for skilled workers in finance, business services and communications,” he said.
Mr Guest said the Federal and State Governments needed to recognise the significant contribution professional services make to the economy, particularly in view of the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations figures which reveal one in five Australian workers are employed in a professional occupation, and that the professional occupation group has experienced the highest level of employment growth in the last five years.
“Federal and State Governments, industry bodies, professional associations and key recruitment firms need to work together in a national professional skills summit to provide a strategy before Australia reaches a professional skills shortage crisis point that will ultimately impact on our economic growth,” Mr Guest said.
About Michael Page International
Michael Page International is a leading professional recruitment consultancy specialising in the recruitment of permanent, contract and temporary positions on behalf of the world’s top employers. The consultancy operates through 149 offices in 25 countries and employs more than 5,000 people. Australian operations began in 1985 and the office network has since expanded to include Sydney, Chatswood, Parramatta, Melbourne, Wheelers Hill, Brisbane and Perth.
Contact
Jason Hemens
Corporate Communications Manager
Michael Page International
Ph: 02 8292 2131
Email: jasonhemens@michaelpage.com.au
