The Chamber of Commerce and Industry has welcomed recognition from the Federal Immigration Minister, Senator Chris Evans that labour shortages in Western Australia are more than just a short term problem.

Senator Evans stressed the significance of labour shortages to the WA economy during an address in Perth today.

He told the meeting that WA’s skills crisis was more than just a result of the resources boom and that it came in the context of an increasingly competitive global market for skills.

CCI surveys show that despite record levels of workforce participation, business continually reports labour scarcity and cites the lack of available workers as the key constraint on its activity. 

CCI’s recently released discussion paper, Perth Vibrancy and Regional Liveability, identified a number of short and longer term issues that needed to addressed in order to solve western Australia’s labour market challenges.

CCI’s research has found that the state requires an additional 400,000 workers over the next 10 years to fulfil its economic potential. Based on current high growth rates, there is an expected shortfall of 150,000 workers.

The ageing of West Australia’s population will result in a reduction in the relative size of the workforce in the future, exacerbating the current labour market tightness.

CCI believes Western Australia needs to attract and retain the young age cohorts that significantly contribute to improving the vibrancy of a location, which in turn make it more attractive for other migrants.

Skilled workers are in demand throughout the world and are increasingly mobile in their career aspirations. 

If Perth can position itself as a regional centre to take advantage of the growing economic significance of the Asian region, this too can help attract the talent we need.

Statement by CCI Senior Economist  Nathan Taylor