The RCSA has welcomed funding increases for training programs outlined in the recent Federal Budget, saying they go "a long way to addressing the skills shortages facing Australian employers".
The Association praised the move to build three new technical colleges in Perth, Brisbane and Sydney, and the additional $39.8 million allocated for disability employment services.
The $85.3 million to be spent maintaining the temporary skilled migration scheme, and the commitment to admit a further 5000 skilled migrants in 2007- 2008, is also a positive for employers.
"Access to temporary skilled migrants is crucial for many RCSA Members – around one third of the membership use 457 visas – it is good to see measures that will ensure the system is robust and viable in the long term," Mills said.
Initiatives to better reach the 'untapped workforce', such as workers with a disability and parents returning to work (increased childcare provision), are very important to society and the economy.
