AusBiotech consults with government to repair the skilled occupations list

AusBiotech

AusBiotech is seeking immediate feedback from members outlining how the 457 visas abolition and its replacement with a new Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa will impact life sciences organisations, in an effort to repair the skilled occupations list.

The life sciences sector has expressed concern over the 457 visas abolition since the announcement in May.

The government has requested advice on categories that currently have staff on 457 visas and why these positions need to be recruited from overseas.

AusBiotech is building case studies representing the specific occupations that should be considered for reinstatement on the next Skilled Occupation List (the former Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List) update, which is expected to be released on 1 July 2017. AusBiotech has been advised that the following occupations may be requested to be reinstated:

  • Research and Development Manager
  • Corporate General Manager
  • Production Manager (Manufacturing)
  • Finance Manager
  • Statistician
  • Organisation and Methods Analyst & Quality Assurance Manager
  • Biochemist
  • Biotechnologist
  • Information and Organisation Professionals
  • Laboratory Manager
  • Industrial Pharmacist
  • Chemical Engineer
  • Materials Engineer
  • Production or Plant Engineer
  • Life Scientist

Feedback should be directed to Lorraine Chiroiu, Deputy CEO AusBiotech, on lchiroiu@ausbiotech.org / (03) 9828 1400 by Friday 16 June 2017.

This information will be used in AusBiotech’s submission to government, which will outline how overseas specialists can fill these skills gaps to advance the Australian life sciences sector.

It is imperative that the government’s visa scheme address the skills gap that currently exists in the Australian life science industry. The industry represents a highly specialised sector that requires very technical and specialised skillsets, some of which are not available in the local pool of applicants. Additionally, as the industry is essential to the advancement of the Australian economy by creating highly-attractive jobs and attracting clinical research, policy changes must be supportive if its growth.