Australia’s migration system has come under fire after a bombshell skills list revealed a rollcall of occupations critics say the nation doesn’t need to import. The Home Affairs working visa skills list is being slammed after it emerged that estate agents, auctioneers, singers, golfers and even deer hunters were eligible for skilled migration pathways.
Other listed occupations flagged as “questionable” choices for roles for the country to import included historian, tennis coach, umpire, lifeguard, dog handler, picture framer and dancer. Further occupations questioned were sign writer, property manager, turf grower, acupuncturist, grape grower, pet groomer, drama teacher, homoeopath and more.
Housing advocates have queried how importing some of the flagged workers helps a country grappling with a chronic housing shortage, soaring rents and an ailing construction sector.
Real estate agents, auctioneers and property managers, professions that undeniably require people skills and sales nous, have drawn particular fire.
Aaron Scott, founder of comparison group Bright Agent, said some of the skills list occupations were “questionable”, adding that real estate agents were one of them. “Perhaps it’s time for a re-look at the Skilled Occupation List … especially during a domestic housing crisis.”
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