The Western Australian mining sector could face a major
skills shortage within the next two years, the Chamber
of Minerals and Energy (CME) said recently.
According to the CME, a further 26,000 workers will be
required by 2013 as several multi-billion projects begin
in the State’s north.
“With an excess of $72 billion worth of resource sector
projects either committed or planned for Western
Australia, there is continued demand for employees in
this sector,” the CME said in the statement.
The suggestions of a skill shortage come even though
recent figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics
show more than 20,000 jobs have been lost in the WA
mining and energy sectors since November last year.
“Despite the current financial crisis causing a
weakening in general demand, the CME’s growth outlook
study suggests positive growth will occur to 2020,” the
Chamber said.
The CME has backed calls from Western Australian Premier
Colin Barnett for more relaxed rules on
skilled migrant visas to allow foreign workers to
fill skilled positions.
The Chamber said it wants the Western Australian
Government to establish the State Migration Taskforce
announced in its 2009/10 Budget to ensure the
development of a state migration strategy and policy
framework for the next 10 years.
The Western Australian mining sector could face a major
skills shortage within the next two years, the Chamber
of Minerals and Energy (CME) said recently.
